The Other Melbourne Cup

Coffee is as integral to Melbourne’s cultural identity as the city’s reputation as an arts hub, so it seems only fitting that someone would seek to unite the two.

Amy Craig is the coordinator of The Cup Project — an initiative that’s been running since November last year. It’s a unique project where young artists get to use takeaway coffee cups as their canvas. The reverse of the cup is printed with a short bio and contact information so that each artist has access to a demographic that they wouldn’t necessarily be able to reach individually.

Every artist contributes something aesthetically different, so there are plenty of styles to enjoy. The works on the cups can range from the compelling abstract patterns of Kumiko Michishita to Sarah Hendy’s tenderly realised paintings, which are based on found photography.

These designer cups can be found at a number of premium coffee retailers including Sensory Lab, Dead Man Espresso and 1000₤ Bend so you don’t have to worry about purchasing a sub-standard latte either.

The beauty of The Cup Project lies in its accessibility. Nothing is more indicative of a time-poor culture than the ubiquitous take away coffee cup, and if you can’t spare ten minutes to sit down and enjoy a coffee then how are you supposed to find the time to visit museums and galleries?

The Cup Project is an appealing deal, offering a small slice of culture alongside your daily caffeine fix. And that’s something that any self respecting Melbournian will appreciate.

For more information on artists and stockists visit: www.thecupproject.com.au