Festival brings Vibrant new look to Midtown

Published on 25 February 2021

Urban art murals featuring the works of local artists are brightening up the walls of Midtown buildings as part of this week’s Vibrance Festival.

As a supporter of the festival, the City of Hobart has funded the transformation of four prominent walls into urban art masterpieces.

One such wall is the side of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Health Service, where emerging Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Takira Simon-Brown under the guidance of well-known street artist TOPSK.

“Through our partnership with Vibrance, we’ve been able to support a mentorship opportunity for a Tasmanian Aboriginal artist to work alongside an experienced street artist,” Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said.

“This is an opportunity to support the next generation of urban artists, while celebrating our city’s rich Aboriginal heritage and culture.”

The festival includes a full program of events and activities, such as music, walking tours, and virtual reality painting demonstrations at The Loop digital art screen in Elizabeth Street.

“The festival is actively contributing to the creation of a trail of discovery from the City to North Hobart, where people can explore pockets of public art and character features that make this part of Hobart so special,” Cr Reynolds said.

“The addition of these fantastic new artworks bring a new layer of interest to the area and contributes to the atmosphere of the Midtown precinct.”

Cr Bill Harvey, who will attend today’s launch event, encouraged locals to get along to the festival.

“It’s really captivating to see these very talented artists in action, transforming our streets into public art galleries,” Cr Harvey said.

“The festival gives us an incredible insight into how these murals are created, and getting along to see the artworks provides great support and encouragement to our local artists.”

Vibrance Festival runs until Sunday 28 February, with murals under way at 11 locations and featuring the work of 17 artists.

The City of Hobart has previously partnered with Vibrance to successfully deliver festivals in 2016 and 2018, as well as street art projects in locations such as Bidencopes Lane. These projects have transformed some of Hobart's most under-utilised spaces into cultural destinations.

City of Hobart commissioned art walls:

PHOTO: Artists TOPSK and Takira Simon-Brown with their mural at the Tasmanian Aboriginal Health Service.