Gold Coast-inspired art at the heart of new Light Rail link murals

Two vibrant and super-sized murals will soon adorn the newly opened Stage 2 light rail route on the Gold Coast, with contemporary and historical Gold Coast images to feature along a new shared pedestrian and cycle path.

Assistant Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon joined Phantast artist June Hintz to inspect the first mural today while the second mural is due for completion early next year.

Ms Scanlon said the first mural features a colourful underwater theme and the second will showcase imagery associated with the Gold Coast lifestyle and landscape and would beautify otherwise plain concrete walls.

“Two locations near the Smith Street Motorway provide the perfect opportunity to create an artistic legacy on the corridor with a 180-metre and 220-metre murals both measuring three metres high,” Ms Scanlon said.

"Many of the 65,000 motorists who drive the motorway each day will probably have seen the artists painting this first underwater mural and when both are completed, the lifestyle, environment and history of the Gold Coast will be on show for locals and tourists to enjoy on their travels.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey congratulated the Phantast Cultural Music and Arts Association, a Queensland-based not-for-profit organisation whose work will brighten the commutes of Gold Coast locals and visitors for years to come.

"Phantast has painted several other magnificent murals in the area as part of recent Transport and Main Roads upgrades, including at Olsen Avenue where a G:link tram appears alongside an historic Gold Coast train,” Mr Bailey said.

Artist June Hintz said the new murals incorporated themes relevant to the Gold Coast, and by using luminous paint which glows after the sun goes down, they were set to provide a unique feature to the area.

“Our vision for each mural is to beautify a space and deliver a legacy to engage young people with our artists, who are local youths from across South East Queensland, and include previous graffiti offenders,” Ms Hintz said.

“In addition to adding colour, murals help to define an area which is fantastic in these locations where residents will be cycling and walking every day.

“It will also help create an entry statement for those on the tram heading from Helensvale towards Surfers Paradise and along the coastal strip.” 

ENDS

Media contact: Chris Vernon – 0416 800 004