TRACE 2019

Overview

Between Thursday, August 8 and Saturday, August 24, wandering around West End is about to get a whole lot better. We're not dissing its usual eclectic vibe, or its bustling array of bars, shops and eateries — but when an art exhibition takes over an entire suburb, we're going to get excited.

A biennial event, TRACE returns for 2019 with a fresh showcase of creative pieces popping up in unexpected places. Expect the 4101 postcode to be showered with artworks by Tony Albert, Vernon Ah Kee, George Gittoes, Natalya Hughes, Madeleine Kelly, Ross Manning, Judy Napangardi Watson, Sebastian Moody and Tyza Stewart, among others — with their paintings, drawings and the like gracing Avid Reader, Ralph's Garage, West End Bakery, Hong Lan Vietnamese Grocer, Jet Black Cat Records and more. In total, 34 artists, including one artist-in-residence, will display their work in 19 locations in Boundary and Vulture Streets.

Quite a few of those folks should sound familiar, as many of them have ties to West End. Taking a stroll through the streets, ducking into local establishments and scoping out their work is just one way that you can support their love of the area, however, whether you mosey at your own leisure or join a TRACE walking tour.

As well as the exhibition, TRACE features a silent auction, with some of the funds going back to the creatives, and the rest helping out community development organisation Community Plus+. To snatch up something for your own walls, just view the featured artworks online between Thursday, August 8 and Saturday, August 31, then place your bid, watch and wait. Beats getting mass-produced stock pics from IKEA, hands down.