22 July, 2022

Brightening up our city streets this winter

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Local and emerging artists are being engaged by the City of Adelaide to brighten up our city streets by transforming vacant shopfronts.

The City of Adelaide is working with property owners and artists to transform vacant shopfronts to attract prospective tenants, activate and improve their aesthetic appeal and revitalise surrounding areas to Reignite Adelaide.

Shopfronts areas with long-standing vacancies across the CBD and North Adelaide will have the opportunity to be transformed into artistic displays as part of Reignite Adelaide 2.0. Local emerging and established artists are being engaged as a priority.

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the program was another way for Council to support the city and North Adelaide as we continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

“We’re working closely with local artist groups, precinct associations and commercial real estate agents to turn vacant shopfronts into temporary creative spaces,” said the Lord Mayor.

“This program makes a genuine difference to the look and feel of our streets and we’re already seeing some great examples of that and there’s more to come.

“It’s a unique art exhibition opportunity that utilises vacant frontages and improves their aesthetic appeal to attract prospective tenants, which is an important part of our recovery.”

Local artist Tessa Marie Art was the first to kick off the vacancy transformations at 133 Twin Street.

Additional artwork vinyls were installed this week on 146 Rundle Mall by local artist Lucinda Penn and on 75-79 King William Street by local creative agency BANTA.

The next site to transform will be the front window and foyer of Grainger Studios on 91 Hindley Street, with an installation occurring in July. Artist Barry Magazinovic, in partnership with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, will create a sculptural lighting installation with a custom backdrop.

The longevity of the shopfront displays will vary and use either vinyl artworks or behind window art installation/displays.

For more information, visit www.cityofadelaide.com.au/about-council/grants-sponsorship-incentives/vacant-tenancy-revitalisation-program/


For more information

Matt Halliwell