All about Oxford St

Sydney’s largest public arts festival Art and About was officially launched at Taylor Square last Thursday night, in commemoration of the festival’s greater focus on Oxford Street this year.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore joined drag identity Vanessa Wagner on the night to announce the official start of the festival and launch Love TV @ Taylor Square, just one of the many works which will be showcased in the area during the festival. The interactive piece, which attracts local identities to speak in a mock television setting about their memories and experiences of the Oxford Street area, was a hit with crowds and is sure to attract more attention.

There will be a new focus on Oxford St with public spaces, shopfronts and venues transformed by installations, exhibitions, performance art, live music and a podcast rock music tour, Moore said.

We’ve been counting down to the launch of Art and About 2008 which will be bigger and better this year with three weeks of dynamic, colourful and exciting exhibitions and events.

Other Oxford St-based events will include New!shop by Spat+Loogie, an interactive piece which will transform the shop at 60 Oxford St into a faux store where browsing is encouraged and every product has a story to tell.

Local artist Gareth Ernst will also be doing his part to transform perceptions with Views of Taylor Square, a series of sketches and paintings of the area, displayed at the heritage public toilet on Taylor Square.

info: Art and About runs from October 4-26. For a full list of citywide events head to
www.artandabout.com.au.