We at Mornington Peninsula Magazine are justifiably proud of our amazing arts community, so we’re super-excited to share the news that Yarra Trams is for the first time inviting you and artists throughout Victoria to submit designs for the tram wrap that will feature on its pride tram next year. In a statement today, Yarra Trams said it had partnered with premier queer arts and culture organisation Midsumma and LGBTIQA+ media organisation JOY Media – formerly JOY 94.9 – to extend this opportunity to Victorian artists.
“The #AllAboard tram is one of the most recognisable on Melbourne’s iconic tram network and is a feature in the annual Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda,” the statement said. “The tram is a tangible representation of the (State) Government’s work to ensure everyone is welcome in our communities, our workplaces and aboard public transport.”
Design submissions will be accepted until the end of the month and will be reviewed by a panel of six judges before the finalists are put to a public vote from October 8. The winning design will be applied to a D-class tram that will take pride of place in the 2023 Midsumma Pride March in February, while the second-placed design will be applied to a tram shelter near the Victorian Pride Centre. The winning artist will receive $5000 and the runner-up $3000.
“The 2023 #AllAboard tram will once again serve as one of the many highlights of the Midsumma Pride March as it rolls down the closed streets of the parade cheered on by thousands of onlookers,” Yarra Trams said. “For the last two years Yarra Trams workers have proudly marched with this symbol of inclusion and diversity. It is expected the winning design and final wrapped tram will be unveiled to the public in mid-December at the tram’s home depot in Malvern.”
The current #AllAboard D-class tram – No.3531, pictured – is wrapped in the colours of the Progress Pride flag and operates on routes 5, 6, 16, and 72.
Victorian Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said: “The tram wrap on the pride tram is such a wonderful symbol of inclusivity on a truly iconic Melbourne tram network. We can’t wait to see the designs and to be marching with the new tram in support of members of the LGBTQI+ community in our city.”
Victorian Equality Minister Harriet Shing said: “The pride tram is one of the most recognisable on Melbourne’s iconic tram network and it’s a true representation of our commitment to inclusion.”
Yarra Trams CEO Julien Dehornoy said: “We are incredibly proud to be partnering with pioneering organisations such as JOY and Midsumma on this special project, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what designs Melburnians come up with for #AllAboard 2023.”
Midsumma CEO Karen Bryant said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Yarra Trams to provide this important public art opportunity for LGBTQIA+ visual artists to share their talents and unique visual stories.”
JOY CEO Ange Barry said: “JOY Media is excited to be recognised on the iconic Pride Tram, taking Pride Season across Melbourne in such a fabulous style. We are proud to be partnering with Yarra Trams and Midsumma to be featured alongside the successful artist’s original work, to be seen and celebrated by Melburnians as the Pride Tram winds its way along our beautiful streets and of course as the lead of our Pride March.”
Mornington Peninsula Magazine would be totally rapt if a Peninsula artist submitted the winning tram or tram shelter design, so get on board, you creatives! You can find out more – including templates, the design brief, terms and conditions, and the submission portal – here.
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