For the first time the public has been invited to submit designs for the tram wrap that will feature on the pride tram next year and designs will be put out to public vote.
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 Tram is a tangible representation of the Victorian Government’s work to ensure everyone is welcome in our communities, our workplaces and aboard public transport.
“The tram wrap on the pride tram is such a wonderful symbol of inclusivity on a truly iconic Melbourne tram network,” said Minister for Public Transport Ben Carroll. “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.”
The Government have partnered with Australia’s premier queer arts and culture organisation Midsumma and LGBTIQA+ media organisation JOY Media (formerly known as JOY 94.9) to deliver this significant initiative.
“Calling for design submissions for the 2023 pride tram is a first for us and we will then be presented back to the public for vote,” said Midsumma’s Chief Executive Officer Karen Bryant.
“I can’t wait to see what amazing designs are submitted for the pride tram wrap for next year. This is an opportunity for people to represent the inclusion and diversity Melbourne prides itself on,” said JOY’s Chief Executive Officer Ange Barry.
Design submissions for the pride tram will be accepted until the end of September via the Yarra Trams website and will be reviewed by a panel of six judges. The finalists will be put to a public vote to decide the winner, beginning on 8 October – 23 October 2022.
The winning design will be applied to a D-class tram and take pride of place the 2023 Midsumma Pride March. The second placed design will be applied to a tram shelter in the vicinity of the Victorian Pride Centre for the Midsumma Pride March in February.
The winning artist will be awarded $5,000 for their artwork, while the second-placed artist will take home $3,000 for the artwork that will be featured on the tram shelter.
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. For the last two years Yarra Trams workers have proudly marched with this symbol of inclusion and diversity.
“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,” said Minister for Equality Harriet Shing.
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 (#3531) is wrapped in the colours of the Progress Pride flag and operates on routes 5, 6, 16, and 72.
Templates, design brief, terms and conditions, and submission portal can be accessed . Submissions are due 30 September 2022. For more information about Yarra Trams’ #AllAboard program, visit: www.yarratrams.com.au for details.
Image: #AllAboard D-class tram – courtesy of Yarra Trams