Melbourne Trams Showcase Indigenous Art Across Network

Six Indigenous artists' designs featured on Melbourne trams for year-long display

Melbourne Trams Add Indigenous Art Designs

Melbourne's tram network is showcasing Indigenous culture through moving art galleries. Yarra Trams has partnered with RISING Festival, Creative Victoria, and PTV to launch the 2022 Melbourne Art Trams collection, featuring designs by six First Peoples artists. The art trams will run across the network for the next year, bringing Indigenous stories and expressions to daily commuters and visitors.

Historic Design Returns After Three Decades

The collection marks the second consecutive year Yarra Trams has partnered with RISING Festival to display Indigenous artists' work. Visual artist Jarra Karalinar Steel, who's of Boonwurrung and Wemba heritage, curated the program celebrating connection to country, culture, and identity. The first tram features a design originally painted onto a W-class tram in 1991 by Yorta Yorta artist and activist Lin Onus. His son, artist and performer Tiriki Onus, supported the return of the design and attended the launch celebration alongside the Minister for Public Transport, the Hon Ben Carroll MP, and the Minister for Creative Victoria, the Hon Danny Pearson MP.

Six Artists Represent Diverse First Nations

The remaining five trams feature designs by Louise Moore (Wamba), Patricia McKean (Gundijtmara/Kirrae Wurrong), Dr Paola Balla (Wemba-Wemba/Gundijtmara), Tegan Murdock (Burapa), and Darcy McConnell/Enoki (Yorta Yorta/Dja Dja Wurrung). All six artists attended the launch event, along with representatives from RISING Festival and Yarra Trams CEO Julien Dehornoy. Each design celebrates the artists' unique cultural heritage and connection to Victoria's landscapes and traditions.

Art Trams Roll Out Across Network

The art trams are now entering service across Melbourne's tram network, where they'll operate on regular routes throughout the city. Officials didn't specify which particular routes will feature the decorated trams, as they'll rotate through the network over the coming year. The initiative represents a collaboration between public transport and cultural organizations to bring public art directly to riders.

Riders Can Track Art Trams

The art trams will be visible across Victoria's tram network for the next year, offering riders and pedestrians opportunities to experience First Peoples' artistic expressions as part of their daily routines. The moving galleries transform public transport into cultural showcases, making Indigenous art accessible to the hundreds of thousands of people who use Melbourne's trams each day. Moovit provides real-time tram tracking and route information for Melbourne's network.