Launceston's CBD will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of street culture on Saturday 28 March when Thoroughfare takes over the city's laneways and streets from 11.30am to 9pm.
Produced by the City of Launceston, Thoroughfare is a free, all-ages event bringing together art, live music, skate culture and food, activating public spaces across the city centre.
City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said Thoroughfare was about celebrating the city's laneways and bringing them to life in bold, creative ways.
"Thoroughfare shows what happens when art, culture and place come together. It injects energy into our city centre, supports local businesses, and adds another layer to what makes Launceston such a great place to spend time," Mayor Garwood said.
"It also forms part of Council's broader approach to graffiti mitigation in the CBD, by replacing blank walls with works that are vibrant, curated and community-focused. This is another great example.
"Come along and engage with the artists and performers and experience these spaces being transformed."
Public art will be at the heart of the event, with acclaimed artists creating new large-scale murals live across Tatler Parade, Dicky Whites Lane, Centreway Arcade and Quadrant Mall. The artists were selected through an Expression of Interest process based on the quality of their practice and their ability to deliver ambitious public artworks.
The artist lineup includes Jasmine Crisp, Mel McVee, Aleks Crossan, Tom O'Hern, George Harrison Kennedy, Jamin, Claire Foxton, Creature Creature, Katie Barron and Sam Dobransky.
Mayor Garwood said the murals would leave a lasting imprint on the city.
"These works will become part of Launceston's public art legacy.
"They do more than brighten walls. They create identity, spark conversation, reflect who we are, and help shape public spaces people genuinely want to be in."
Live music will take centre stage on St John Street, with a full afternoon and evening program featuring Sumner, Queenie, Grace Chia, The Bad Dad Orchestra, Emi Emi, Captain O'Brien's Craic and Luneward.
St John Street will also host World Street Eats food and drink stalls, with nearby CBD eateries and bars adding to the atmosphere. Skate demonstrations and a half-pipe will provide opportunities for participation and showcase local skate culture.
Beyond the main hub, Thoroughfare will spill throughout the CBD with paste-up workshops, puppet-making workshops, site-specific art installations and additional laneway activations.
