Yarra Trams is inviting Victorians to design next year’s #AllAboard pride tram, with the winning entry to be decided by public vote.
The operator has launched a competition to design one of the most recognisable trams on Melbourne’s iconic network, which is also a popular feature in the annual Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda.
The #AllAboard tram is representation of Keolis Downer’s commitment to inclusion, demonstrating everyone is welcome in Melbourne and aboard the city’s tram network.
Keolis Downer will once again partner with LGBTIQ organisation Midsumma and LGBTIQ media organisation JOY Media, and this year will be joined by the Victorian Pride Centre (VPC), to deliver this initiative. The VPC is home to numerous LGBTIQ organisations and will host two exhibitions between June and August to raise awareness of the design competition.
Designs can be submitted until August 15 on the Yarra Trams website, and will be reviewed by a panel of 10 judges, including Public transport minister Ben Carroll. Throughout September, the public will be invited to vote on the shortlisted designs to decide the winner.
The winning design will be featured on a D-class tram that will run on Melbourne’s tram network, the world’s largest, for an entire year. The second-placed design will be featured on a tram shelter in the vicinity of the Victorian Pride Centre for the Victorian Pride March in February.
The #AllAboard tram will once again be one of the highlights of the Midsumma Pride March in 2024 as it rolls down the parade, cheered on by thousands of onlookers. For the last three years, Yarra Trams employees have proudly marched with this symbol of inclusion and diversity.
The winning artist will be awarded $5000 and the second-placed artist will take home $3000.
The winning design and final wrapped tram is expected to be unveiled in mid-December at the tram’s home depot in Malvern.
The current #AllAboard D-class tram (tram #3531) is wrapped in last year’s winning design by Melbourne-based artist Marco Pennacchia and operates on routes 5, 6, 16 and 72.
Find out more about Yarra Trams’ #AllAboard program and access templates, design brief, terms and conditions, and submission portal here.
“The pride tram is a wonderful symbol of inclusivity that spreads a very visible message that everyone is welcome on our city’s iconic tram network,” Carroll said.
“It was an honour to be part of the judging panel for last year’s #AllAboard tram and to witness the artistic talent and creativity we have in our community. I encourage all artists to get behind this initiative and have a go at designing our next pride tram.”
Judges of the 2024 competition will be:
- Public transport minister Ben Carroll
- Yarra Trams CEO Carla Purcell
- JOY Media CEO Ange Barry
- Midsumma CEO Karen Bryant
- Victorian Pride Centre CEO Justine Dalla Riva
- JOY 94.9 art critis David Hunt
- Indigenous artist Ande Kempnich
- Koorie Heritage Trust CEOTom Mosby, CEO of the
- Michelle Sheppard, Senior Advisor, LGBTIQ+ Inclusion at the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning
- Clive Scott, General Manager of Sofitel on Collins and supporter of the arts
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