a group of eight artists – from berlin and new south wales – joined forces with innovative place making partners, creative road and fullerton creative, to activate an overlooked urban laneway in the coastal town and tourism mecca, byron bay. stemming from a desire to enliven underutilized metropolitan spaces using public art, the team of creatives transformed the once drab bitumen and concrete thoroughfare into a perpetual place of beauty and wonder. through a curated application of color, light, pattern, texture and form, existing structures and buildings were brought to life, forming ‘elysium’.

a collective of artists enliven an urban laneway with captivating murals in byron bay
gretscher’s mural ‘garden full of light’ is on the rear façade of a surf-shop, facing the laneway
artwork by artist danny gretscher
image © taojones photography

 

 

the installation of elysium, byron bay’s first permanent place-making seed-fund project, commenced in march 2017 and concluded after 14 days and nights of painting, hard labor and weather delays. over 40 businesses and individuals supported the project, providing financial and in-kind contributions. $125 000 of in-kind support was donated by curators, project managers, engineers, builders, electricians and artist volunteers. elysium delivers a ‘unique sense of space for lateen lane, improving safety, amenity and creating a light bright and energetic atmosphere’, says creative road‘s rebecca townsend. ‘the installation intentionally moved away from traditional imagery associated with byron bay, introducing something entirely different – an immersive contemporary art experience.’

a collective of artists enliven an urban laneway with captivating murals in byron bay
andrew dennis’ ‘tropical coral underwater scene’ is painted on a building façade and nearby garage at the eastern entry to laneway
artwork by artist andrew dennis
image © callie marshall photography

 

 

‘for us, supporting initiatives such as elysium, fosters culture, creativity and inclusivity in our local community. it has brought together the community through art and a space to enjoy and be proud of in our town,’ explained jasmin daly from stone and wood brewing co. ‘the project has reinvigorated the lane, benefitting locals, businesses and those who come to this part of the world to experience byron bay’s uniqueness.’ stone and wood are one of the project’s key partners along with byron shire council, base backpackers, splendour in the grass and harley graham architects.

a collective of artists enliven an urban laneway with captivating murals in byron bay
world naked bike ride through the elysium laneway
image © callie marshall photography

a collective of artists enliven an urban laneway with captivating murals in byron bay
artwork by artists danny gretscher and andy dennis
image © callie marshall photography

a collective of artists enliven an urban laneway with captivating murals in byron bay
byron bay artist colleen darosa called her elysium artwork ‘slow light’, in reference to the surrounding landscapes, sky and ocean
artwork by artist colleen darosa
image © taojones photography

a collective of artists enliven an urban laneway with captivating murals in byron bay
detail of artist kellie o’dempsey’s fish ladies
image © callie marshall photography

a collective of artists enliven an urban laneway with captivating murals in byron bay
artwork by artists harley graham & max beaur and lymesmith
image © yellow bull weddings

a collective of artists enliven an urban laneway with captivating murals in byron bay
the elysium team in front of artwork by andy dennis
image © callie marshall photography

a collective of artists enliven an urban laneway with captivating murals in byron bay
artwork by harley graham & max beaur and lymesmith
image © callie marshall photography

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lynn chaya | designboom