Landing as Messengers of Mackay, Messengers of Townsville and Messengers of Blackall/Tambo, the work will see giant Gouldian finches in party hats, created by internationally renowned visual artist Florentijn Hofman, bring hope, joy and art to communities across Queensland.    

Covering 3,300km, Messengers of Brisbane is a ground-breaking opportunity allowing a much-loved part of the Brisbane Festival to visit regional Queensland.  

The stunning work will be seen by an estimated 143,000 visitors to Townsville’s North Australian Festival of Arts from 2 – 11 July, the Mackay Festival of Arts from 18 – 26 July and Better in Blackall festival hubs in Blackall and Tambo from 17 – 23 August. 

The larger-than-life installations will be perched atop iconic landmarks and public spaces to inject a sense of fun and encourage visitors to explore each community. 

In addition to viewing the beautiful giant finches, young people and their families can participate in a range of free workshops to create their own artwork and learn more about this endangered species.  

The work made its world premiere at Brisbane Festival in 2020 when Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina commissioned the colourful Messengers of Brisbane installation as a beacon of hope for the city following an extended COVID-19 lockdown. 

“The ‘Messengers’ will not only inspire and invigorate regional communities but will help bring local and interstate visitors to regions that are emerging from the interruptions of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions. 

“I am delighted at the incredible support and assistance that Tourism and Events Queensland, Mackay Regional Council, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council and Townsville City Council have given to help us tour this magnificent and joyous public artwork. 

“Fittingly, the Messengers will wrap up their regional tour just before Brisbane Festival returns from 3 – 25 September 2021.” 

Minister for Tourism Stirling Hinchliffe said the Brisbane Festival’s Messengers of Brisbane tour would provide a welcome boost to tourism in North and Outback Queensland communities. 

“Regional towns rely on events like the Messengers of Brisbane to boost their local tourism economies by drawing travellers who spend on accommodation, transport, at restaurants, cafes, tourism attractions and other local businesses. 

 “We hope this art installation will also inspire people in these regional areas to consider a trek to the state’s capital to experience the wonder of the 2021 Brisbane Festival come September. 

 “Queenslanders’ strong response to COVID-19 is the reason we’re able to hold this year’s Brisbane Festival and the Messengers of Brisbane tour throughout the state. 

 “These events add to our blockbuster It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar, which is expected to deliver $215 million for the state’s economy in the first half of 2021.”