Sydney, Australia (19 June 2024) - In a bold move to support Australian artists and the decrease in gallery and museum attendance, Evoke, the nation's leading electric vehicle (EV) chauffeur company, has launched its innovative Art Series Cars initiative.
As the cost-of-living crisis grips households across the country, many art galleries and museums nationwide have seen a decline in foot traffic compared to pre-pandemic figures.* Evoke's groundbreaking program aims to bring art directly to the streets, transforming their fleet into mobile galleries that traverse Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane daily.
Today marks the debut of the first Art Series Car – a specially commissioned Tesla Model S showcasing 'Journey', a striking design by First Nations artist Alysha Menzel of the Samsep people from Erub Island in the Torres Strait.
“I am honoured to have created ‘Journey’ for Evoke. This initiative is a game-changer. It's not just about beautifying cars; it's about making art accessible and sparking crucial conversations about sustainability, culture, and our shared future. I am committed to using my art to build a more inclusive and diverse world to help illustrate the steps we must take towards reconciliation, understanding, and respect for First Nations cultures and the land we share.” said Ms Menzel.
Evoke CEO Pia Peterson said the company is thrilled to be showcasing art to Australians through this new initiative. "We believe it's important to create opportunities to celebrate and showcase the incredible talents of Australian artists. The Art Car Series allows us to do this in a truly unique way," Ms Peterson said.
Ms Peterson emphasised the program's dual purpose: "We're not just providing a platform for artists; we're revolutionising how Australians engage with art. Our vehicles will expose millions along the east coast to diverse artistic expressions, bridging the gap left by reduced foot traffic into art galleries."
The initiative comes at a crucial time for the Australian art sector, which has been hit hard by economic pressures and changing consumer habits due to the pandemic and the growth of online exhibitions.
In a move set to create buzz in the art world, Evoke is now accepting submissions for their second Art Series car. This open call presents a unique opportunity for artists to gain unprecedented exposure and financial support during challenging times.
"Excitedly, we are on the lookout for our next Australian artist to design the exterior of our second Art Series car. The chosen artist will receive $5,000 cash plus an extra donation to their chosen charity, " Ms Peterson said.
Expressions of interest for the next Art Series Car can be submitted via www.evoke.limo by 30 August 2024.
The 'Journey' Art Series Car will be available for bookings across Sydney from July 2024, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Australian Literacy Foundation's Aboriginal Programs at www.evoke.limo
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About Evoke
Evoke is Australia's premier EV chauffeur company, providing luxury transportation services with a fleet of electric vehicles. Based in Sydney, the company is committed to sustainable practices and celebrating First Nations cultures. Since 2015, Evoke has avoided pumping over 1,000,000 kilograms of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Artwork description
The car artwork Journey symbolises Evoke’s mission to enact meaningful change in the world by offering a premium travel service that doesn’t cost the environment.
The variation of colours, lines, and marks within the artwork symbolise the different Country and environments where Evoke operates and travels. Constellations are present within the varied Country representations to signify navigation across the land by the night sky stars and stories. The flowing pathways represent the journeys made with clients, with the circular blooms symbolising pick-up and drop-off points before the car journeys continue, evoking two way learning, growth and positive change.
From here, Evoke’s own journey continues and will be guided by ongoing strides toward reconciliation, building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, and being guided by the principles of open listening and collaborative action.
Artist Bio – Alysha Menzel
Alysha Menzel is a proud multicultural First Nations woman who is a descendant of the Samsep people of Erub Island in the Torres Strait. A multi-disciplinary creative, with a focus on art, illustration, and design, Alysha is influenced and inspired by her Torres Strait Islander and Saltwater heritage, exploring her connection to Country and identity within it. With a varied professional and cultural background, she is committed to using creativity to help build a more inclusive and diverse world.
About us:
Evoke Cars is Australia's premier EV chauffeur company, providing luxury transportation services with a fleet of electric Tesla vehicles. Based in Sydney, the company is committed to sustainable practices and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Since 2015, Evoke Cars has avoided pumping almost 1,030,000 kilograms of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Contact details:
Media enquiries: Candice Lester, 0401 367 343, [email protected]
