‘Growth and change’: TasPride float highlights progressive state
A six-puppeteer-long rainbow caterpillar by Tasmanian artist Roz Wren is ready to make it’s way to Sydney for the world’s biggest pride event next year. Where to see it before it cocoons away in preparation for the big event.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AN element of Tasmania will be creeping and crawling its way through the world’s biggest pride event next year.
TasPride’s float, Transforming Tasmania, will take part in Sydney’s Mardi Gras WorldPride Parade in February.
A highlight of the float will be a six-puppeteer-long rainbow caterpillar, produced as part the Artfully Queer exhibition TRANSFORM.
The caterpillar’s body, designed and created by Tasmanian artist Roz Wren, is made of six segments, all colours of the rainbow pride flag.
It will be on display at Salamanca Long Gallery until Sunday before going into hibernation before the big event. TasPride treasurer Vincent Bound said the float represented growth and change in the local community.
“We’ve asked people from the LGBTIQ community to make patches showing their stories, understanding and experiences of change,” he said.
“These patches are then being crafted on to the caterpillar.”
Mr Bound said the symbol of a caterpillar shows the transformation of the Tasmanian community from one of the least progressive, to the most progressive state in Australia.
“We have the best protection laws in the country, standards that I hope the rest of Australia aspires to,” he said.
A large Tasmanian apple will also be on board the float, symbolising the Apple Isle as well as wisdom and knowledge.
Alongside the caterpillar float participants will be dressed as gay and lesbian convicts and Tasmanian devils. Applications to become a participant are open online at www.taspride.com to Sunday.
What do you think of the masterpiece? Let us know in the comments below
Council attitude to Hobart homeless “hostile”, activists say
A group of activists say the City of Hobart has been “hostile” towards homeless people, at a time when many are doing it tough. Here’s why they removed fencing around heritage trees.
Peking Duk announce surprise Hobart show
It is a bit of a risk announcing a show only a few weeks out, but that does not matter when you are Peking Duk. Where and when the electronic duo are playing.