A new grassroots initiative is helping budding Launceston artists turn their creative passions into viable careers, thanks to an innovative collaboration between Community Housing Limited Tasmania and the City of Launceston Council.
Launched in April, the stART program is empowering emerging artists from Launceston by giving them the tools, training, and confidence to succeed in the professional art world, focusing on community members who may have previously faced barriers to participation.
The program gained the support of local street artist James Cowan, the Van Diemen Project, and the Ravenswood Over 50s Centre, where the weekly workshops were hosted in April.
CHL State Manager, Jamie Round said the initiative highlighted CHL’s commitment to investing beyond housing and providing opportunities for its customers.
“At CHL, we believe in building more than just homes — we’re building opportunities and stronger communities,” Mr Round said.
“stART is about giving our customers and all members of the community the chance to grow their confidence, develop skills and explore meaningful pathways in the creative sector. It’s a real privilege to support that journey.”
Participants have taken part in a structured series of workshops across Launceston’s northern uburbs, learning practical spray-painting techniques and mural design, while also developing vital business and professional skills including how to register an ABN, navigate insurance requirements, and respond to expressions of interest for commissioned public art.
Deputy Mayor, Hugh McKenzie said the stART program aligned with the Council’s commitment to supporting inclusive arts pathways and activating local spaces.
“stART is a fantastic example of how collaboration between community organisations and local government can create real opportunities for people to thrive,” Cr McKenzie said.
“We’re proud to be part of a program that not only nurtures creativity but also provides participants with the skills to turn their artistic passions into real careers.”
One of the participants, 64-year-old Lee Hamill, says she had never considered showcasing her work publicly until a CHL housing officer spotted her art during a home visit.
Since joining the program, she has expanded her practice into spray painting and mural design and has developed the confidence to pursue public art opportunities.
“I didn’t have any confidence before, but now I really do because of all the connections I’ve made and the support of CHL and the other people in the program,” Ms Hamill said.
“My housing officer Luke has been really supportive — he’s always liked my paintings and he’s been eager to see what I’ve done in the program so far.”
Through stART, Lee has not only learned a new medium — spray painting — but also gained practical skills in setting up an ABN, submitting expressions of interest, and entering competitions.
With her sights now set on creating a street art portfolio, she’s excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
“Life can be isolating — it can get you into a rut. This gives you an outlet and gives you contacts — just being in a group setting, it feeds you.”
Council Arts & Culture Officer, Henry Watson said the program’s focus on practical mural experience would have lasting impacts for both the artists and the broader community.
“This is about more than developing artistic talent, it’s about equipping local creatives with the skills and knowledge they need to take on public art commissions and play an active role in Launceston’s cultural life,” Mr Watson said.
“We’ve already seen incredible growth from the participants, and we’re looking forward to seeing how their completed works will shape the streetscapes of our northern suburbs.”
The program’s lead artist and workshop facilitator James Cowan — better known as Kreamart — is one of Tasmania’s most respected street artists.
Mr Cowan said the growth in participants’ confidence and skill was remarkable.
“There’s so much untapped talent in our community, and stART is giving these artists the chance to really hone their craft and think bigger about what’s possible,” he said.
“We’re seeing people come into their own both artistically and professionally, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of that.”
Participants are currently working on six public mural concepts supported by Kreamart and City of Launceston project officers, which are expected to be completed over the weekend if the weather is favourable.
With the pilot program drawing to a close, CHL and Council are looking at ways to expand the initiative going forward.
“Our goal is to make programs like stART part of the long-term social infrastructure here in Launceston,” Mr Round said.
“When people are given space to thrive artistically or otherwise, it uplifts the whole community.”
