POPPED, the exciting new Byron Bay arts project and laneway activation event is coming to Surf Alley on Friday 19 and Saturday May 20.
Commencing May 12, a team of Byron Bay’s most talented street artists will transform ‘Surf Alley’, the laneway in Jonson Street that – despite its murals honouring local surfers – has often been used as nothing more than a pedestrian thoroughfare and hot spot for late-night anti-social behaviour.
The celebration of the space reinvigoration will be an urban laneway activation event, encompassing live art, street food, bar, music, cool lighting, green walls, bespoke sustainable furniture, Live Ideas Program, and much more.
The event creates a platform for emerging artists who would not otherwise have an opportunity to engage with the local community. The Fresh Air Gallery is a live street art gallery that will auction the finished artworks on Instagram at the end of the night, raising money for the Byron Community Theatre’s much needed upgrades.
The project aims to revitalise the beloved ‘Surf Alley’, breathing new life into it, whilst honouring the legacy. “We are in direct and regular consultation with members of the honour roll, and working to achieve something new and exciting for the whole community, as well creating ways for new residents and visitors to learn more about Byron Bay’s surfing history, and ensure those stories are given a platform,” say operations manager, Monique Hartman. “We’re also using our Live Ideas program on the Saturday afternoon to use this opportunity for young and old to engage and learn about community together, through art and the power of story.”
Fresh Air Walls – part of POPPED
Popped artists are:
Nitsua // Jeremy Austin // Burg // Shmik // Basix // Sean Lemura (Set design & building) // Nikau (Greenery)
The Popped team is committed to social and environmental responsibility. Local supplier Paint Earth has donated paints that are eco-friendly and non-toxic, and the event has a zero waste policy. Go Byron and Steer group are working with the event to promote responsible drinking and getting home safe.
The full program will be distributed throughout the region via Media partners The Echo on 10 May.
OPENING NIGHT – FRIDAY 19 MAY
5PM – 11PM // 18+ only event, and fully licensed. BYO not permitted // $10 entry
Live art
Live DJs
Green walls courtesy of Niaku Byron Bay
Bespoke built furniture courtesy of SL Byron Bay
Street food courtesy of Three Blue Ducks
Bar co-hosted by Stone & Wood Brewery, Brookie’s Gin, and Bucha of Byron
New mural reveal
New honour roll reveal
LIVE IDEAS PROGRAM – SATURDAY 20 MAY
12PM – 3PM // All ages // $10 entry
12:00pm Welcome drinks hosted by Bucha of Byron
12:30pm Placemaking: The history and future of Byron
1:00pm Expression and Freedom: The Street Art Movement
1:30pm Surf Alley: Stories from the Honour Roll
2:00 pm Art, healing, and well-being
2:30pm Being Bold: Exploring Creative Courage
Panellists include Cr. Simon Richardson, Rhoda Roberts, Sarah Workman, Rusty Miller, Peter Woods, Andy Mac, Leanne de Souza, Feather, and many more still to be announced.
CLOSING NIGHT – SATURDAY 19 MAY
5PM – 11PM // 18+ only event, and fully licensed. BYO not permitted // $10 entry
Live art
Live DJs
Green walls courtesy of Niaku Byron Bay
Bespoke built furniture courtesy of SL Byron Bay
Street food courtesy of Three Blue Ducks
Bar co-hosted by Stone & Wood Brewery, Brookie’s Gin, and Bucha of Byron
Tickets are $10 each, per person per session, and can be purchased via www.poppedcreative.com or at the door. For an additional $5, ticket holders can purchase a return bus ride, thanks to GO BYRON from outer suburbs Lennox Head, Bangalow, Brunswick Heads & Mullumbimby. Limited seats available.
Traffic conditions will change for the duration of the event. No motor vehicle or cyclist access to the south entrance of the Lawson Street carpark from 12am Thursday 18 May until 9am Sunday 21 May
More information:
Facebook.com/poppedcreative
Instagram @poppedcreative
Artist and media enquiries:
Abbie Gibson 0411 215 296 // [email protected]
Operations enquiries & Partnership opportunities:
Monique Hartman 0410 759 465 // [email protected]
Popped is produced in partnership with Byron Shire Council as part of the 2016 – 17 Placemaking Seed Fund.
