City of Melbourne Council has partnered with the Victorian Government to deliver a new interactive augmented reality experience for the city’s CBD.
Creativity and technology will combine to see world-class artworks adorn Melbourne’s arts precinct with the launch of AR. Trail – a collaboration between Fed Square, Koorie Heritage Trust, ACMI and NGV that has created the city’s largest, free augmented reality (AR) art trail.
The cutting-edge art experience features 22 digital works with new commissions by celebrated Australian artists Reko Rennie, Ron Mueck and Patricia Piccinini, alongside a star-studded line-up of international artists including KAWS, Olafur Eliasson, Cao Fei, Koo Jeong A, Nina Chanel Abney and David Shrigley.
“Melbourne’s spectacular arts precinct is the envy of cities across the globe, and this vibrant new digital creative experience will give locals and visitors alike yet another reason to come in and soak up the colour, energy and vibrancy of our city,” said Melbourne Lord Mayor, Sally Capp.
Marking the first time AR.Trail has been in Australia, the experience is developed in partnership with renowned London-based digital art organisation Acute Art – known for delivering a string of highly successful augmented reality exhibitions in Singapore, New York, London, Tokyo and more.
The initiative has been supported through the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund and is part of a $9.8 million suite of creative events and experiences which continue to attract visitors to Melbourne’s CBD.
“As we embark on the transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct we’re proud to bring leading art technology to Australia that will encourage discovery throughout the city and act as a precursor to our museums, galleries and theatres,” said Director and CEO of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, Katrina Sedgwick.
Art lovers can download the app for free on their smartphone, and discover a menu of virtual artworks, ranging from small sculptures to architectural-sized moving images.
AR. Trail runs from 22 August to 30 September at Fed Square. Visitors can download the free Acute Art app via the Apple Store and Google Play or find out more at fedsquare.com.
