Byron Bay is abuzz with the whispers of POPPED – the exciting new arts project and laneway activation event coming to Surf Alley on Friday 19 & Saturday 20 May.
Commencing 12 May, a team of Byron Bay’s most talented street artists will transform ‘Surf Alley’: the tired laneway in Jonson Street that has, whilst held sentiments of honouring the legends of our local surfing community, previously 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, launching The Fresh Air Gallery: a live street art gallery that will be a game-changer for community engagement with art.
“We want Byron Bay locals to reimagine their CBD and create news ways for people to engage with their town,” says Creative Director, Abbie Gibson.
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, “In conjunction with our major partners Feros Care, 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. It’s developing into something really special that many people will get a lot out of”.
Popped artists are:
Nitsua // Jeremy Austin // Burg // Shmik //Teazer // Sean Lemura (Set design & building) // Nikau (Greenery)
Artists Jeremy Austin (Sponsored by Sportsgirl) and Burg (Sponsored by Stone & Wood) recently stated their gratitude for the support from the local community. “It’s amazing that so many local businesses want to support local artists, and that we get this opportunity to collaborate on street art as a team”.
OPENING NIGHT – FRIDAY 19 MAY
5PM – 11PM // 18+ only event, and fully licensed. BYO not permitted // $10 entry Live art
12:00pm
12:30pm 1:00pm 1:30pm 2:00 pm 2:30pm
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
Welcome drinks hosted by Bucha of Byron
Placemaking: The history and future of Byron Expression and Freedom: The Street Art Movement Surf Alley: Stories from the Honour Roll
Art, healing, and well-being
Being Bold: Exploring Creative Courage
Panellists include Cr. Simon Richardson, 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.
The full program will be distributed throughout the region via Media partners The Echo on 10 May.
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.
Popped’s partners are:
PRINCIPLE: Byron Shire Council // MAJOR: Three Blue Ducks, Feros Care // GOLD: First National Real Estate, Stone & Wood Brewery, Byron Bay Cookie Company, Sportsgirl, SAE Qantm // OUR MATES: Go Byron Transport, Bucha of Byron, Brookie’s Gin, Byron Hire, North Coast Events, Painted Earth, Shogun Signs, Shaun Lemura Carpentry, Nikau Byron Bay, and Mennie Brand Socks // MEDIA PARTNERS: Common Ground Byron Bay, Common Ground TV, ByronBay.com, The Echo, Byron Bazaar, Byron Life Magazine, and Ad Here // COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Byron Bay Chamber of Commerce, Steer Group, Byron Community Theatre, Fresh Air Gallery.
Popped supports local arts and is helping raise awareness and funds for Byron Community Theatre’s much needed upgrades.
