Submissions for the tram were accepted up until mid-August, and a panel of ten judges determined the final five finalists. These five designs are now subject to a public vote to decide the winner. Voting is now open until the end of September, and this is the only programme inviting members of the public to submit designs for one of Melbourne’s iconic trams.
The winning design (taking home $5,000) will feature on a tram from December 2023, and second place design (taking home $3,000) will be applied to a tram shelter in the vicinity of the Victorian Pride Centre, for the Midsummer Pride March in 2024.
“I’m delighted with the five colourful tram designs my fellow judges and I have put to Victorians for their vote,” Yarra Trams Chief Executive Officer Carla Purcell says.
“Whichever design ends up winning the public vote, I’ll be incredibly proud to have it travelling on our network as an important symbol of diversity and inclusion.”
Check out the five designs and their artist’s descriptions below.
Artist’s description: “Growing up in a regional town, I found it hard to fit in with my sexuality. Moving to Melbourne opened my world. Not only did I see people like myself but also people who were completely different, and that was amazing. I was able to travel the street feeling proud of who I was, and of the community I lived in. In my design I wanted to highlight the diversity of our city. Showing that though we come from different families, backgrounds, abilities and identities, we all come together through love.”
Artist’s description: “A simple sticker can represent so much. A public display of support. An unapologetic symbol of pride. A powerful statement of unity. My artwork is a playful and nostalgic take on all these ideas -envisioning a tram and shelter fully covered in optimistic pride stickers. I wanted to provide visibility to the many identities, genders, sexualities, cultures and abilities of the LGBTQIA+ community. In celebrating plurality and diversity, I hope to truly welcome everyone all aboard.”
Artist’s description: “Rainbow Umbrellas. The rainbow umbrellas have become synonymous with the Fitzroy Street Midsumma Pride March, and pride rallies all over the world. Symbolising protection, both literally from the elements but also symbolically, one can't help but feel happy seeing a rainbow umbrella. Including the colours of the progress flag highlights the important awareness around the evolving landscape of embracing and celebrating all diversity.”
Artist’s description: “As members and allies of Melbourne’s LGBTIQ community, we know the representation matters. We have strived to make our design appeal to and represent some of our most underrepresented community members to make them feel welcome aboard the Yarra Trams network.”
Artist’s description: #AllAboard is about making sure everyone has the chance to come along for the ride and that no one is left behind. LGBTQIA+ is so diverse, in gender and sexuality and in race, disability, class etc. we have to put in the work to make sure that everyone in the rainbow is able to get #AllAboard. My artwork is about how, when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community, love binds us, gives us the strength to uplift one another and continue to fight for the rights and safety of everyone in the community.
Vote here.
Voting closes on 29 September.
