What's Happening?
Melbourne's First Peoples Art Trams have returned to the city's streets as part of the RISING festival, showcasing six newly wrapped trams transformed into moving canvases by Aboriginal artists. Curated by Taungurung woman Kate ten Buuren, the 2026 edition
celebrates the power of Blak imagination, featuring works that convey the limitless possibilities of First Peoples imagining. The trams will travel across the city for the next 12 months, carrying stories of Country, memory, resistance, futurity, and cultural continuity through Melbourne's public spaces. Leading this year's launch is the 2026 Legacy Tram, honoring Wadawurrung Elder and senior artist Marlene Gilson OAM, whose paintings reclaim and re-contextualize historical events. The initiative is supported by the Department of Transport and Planning, Yarra Trams, and Creative Victoria, celebrating the world's oldest living culture across the world's largest tram network.
Why It's Important?
The return of the First Peoples Art Trams is significant as it transforms Melbourne's tram network into a mobile art gallery, bringing Indigenous art and culture into everyday public life. This initiative not only celebrates the creative force of First Peoples artists but also asserts their ongoing presence and connection to Country. By showcasing these artworks, the trams provide a platform for Indigenous voices and perspectives, challenging dominant historical narratives and promoting cultural understanding. The project highlights the importance of public art in fostering community engagement and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of First Peoples, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse cultural landscape in Melbourne.
What's Next?
Over the next 12 months, the First Peoples Art Trams will continue to travel through Melbourne, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with Indigenous art and stories. A curator and artist-led public program will explore First Peoples art histories and contemporary practice throughout Naarm, with tours and workshops providing hands-on experiences. Participants will have the chance to learn relief printmaking techniques and hear directly from artists about their creative processes. This ongoing exhibition will serve as a catalyst for further discussions on cultural continuity and the role of public art in shaping urban environments.
Beyond the Headlines
The First Peoples Art Trams initiative not only enhances Melbourne's cultural landscape but also serves as a model for integrating Indigenous art into public spaces. By transforming the city's tram network into a moving art gallery, the project challenges traditional notions of art presentation and accessibility. It underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating Indigenous contributions to the arts, fostering a deeper understanding of First Peoples' cultural heritage. This initiative may inspire similar projects in other cities, promoting the visibility and appreciation of Indigenous art on a global scale.
