RISING MELBOURNE ART TRAMS 2024

2024 Theme “Blak on Track“

Curatorial statement:

Over the past three years, the art trams have been dedicated to First Peoples artists working and living in Victoria and have become emblematic of Melbourne's unrivalled artistic spirit, enchanting commuters, and passers-by alike. From visionary artists who fearlessly pushed boundaries to creators who celebrated themes of identity, country, community, representation, traditional craft, and visions of a better future, the previous works have invigorated the city's cultural landscape.

Breaking free from a dedicated theme, this year's trams are a time to embrace your artistic freedom, unleashing a kaleidoscope of narratives, styles, and perspectives that reflect the vibrant essence of First Peoples culture, art, and design.

That said I did have a vision, to bring attention the the Urban Indigenous Art Movement of the 1980s and 1990s.
Which included trail blazers Destiny Deacon and Ellen José.

This year we worked with the Ellen José Memorial Foundation to dedicate one of 2024’s trams to Artist Ellen José (1951-2017). Ellen José was a pioneer in Australia’s urban Indigenous art movement and a radical activist and social justice campaigner. It is an honour to celebrate this important Artist and Torres Strait Islander Aueswau (Elder), who was an artist that helped pave the way for many other First Peoples Artists.

I also want to acknowledge the term ‘Blak’ was coined by Destiny Deacon for the 1994 collaborative First Nations group exhibition, Blakness: Blak City Culture! featuring the work of Destiny Deacon. Curators of the exhibition Clare Williamson and Hetti Perkins described Destiny Deacon’s development of the term ‘Blak’ as “part of a symbolic, but potent strategy of reclaiming colonialist language to create means of self-definition and expression”.

2024 ARTISTS

Destiny Deacon (Ku Ku/Erub Mer)
Arrears Windows

Milla Morgan (Wiradjuri/Yorta Yorta)
I just wanted to say sorry

Kait James (Wadawurrung)
Hung out to dry

Iluka Sax-Williams (Taungurung)
Kulin Woora Liwik—Kulin Sky Ancestors 

Thomas Day (Gunditjmara/Yorta Yorta/Wemba Wemba)
Yarkeen—Dreams

Ellen José (Torres Strait Islander)
Reach Out And Touch—Distance And Time

Photos James Morgan