News

Although Brisbane Festival might be over for another year, you can still catch a glimpse of its fun and vibrancy at our Albert Street site.

A new 60-metre-long mural that was installed in the Albert Street gantry as part of this year’s festival will remain in place in all of its colourful glory for at least the next year.

Renowned local street artist Adam Busby created the piece, titled ‘a moment of blissful optimism’, which will renew and expand Cross River Rail’s ongoing street art gallery at Albert Street.

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority CEO Graeme Newton said the project teamed up with Brisbane Festival for a second year running because it provided a unique and creative opportunity help keep the public informed about construction activities underway.

“While Cross River Rail will transform how we travel to, from and through Brisbane in the future, it does mean there are construction impacts now,” he said.

“Our partnership with Brisbane Festival is just one of the many ways we’re keeping the community informed about ongoing works.”

But Mr Newton said Mr Busby’s colourful piece, intended to spark hope and joy amid a global pandemic, was a perfect example of the partnership and art program’s added benefits.

“Brisbane’s CBD is alive with construction and redevelopment, providing some interesting canvas spaces for artists to explore themes and concepts close to their hearts,” he said.

“We are excited to be a visible driver and supporter of Brisbane’s emerging inner-city art scene, and add some colour for nearby residents and workers.”

“We are proud to partner with local artists and bring more colour and life to a city undergoing transformation, and to give the public more ways to engage with and appreciate the flurry of construction activity across the city.”

You can see the mural being made and hear from the artist in the video below.