Streets Alive began in 1999 with the primary aim of offering young people a new way to voice their culture and be seen and heard in a positive and reflective community festival. It transformed Launceston into an active and responsive series of spaces by encouraging the integration and increased awareness that a creative arts culture offers. Highlights from the first Streets Alive included the Light Up, with Lighting Designer Efterpi Soropos illuminating public spaces, the Night Block, a 'block parade' by Stompin' Youth Dance Co., and a performance by the James Morrison Quartet.
The 2001 festival theme was Positive Image and the program of events was partnered with the inaugural 10 Days on the Island international arts festival. This Streets Alive cemented the core of the on-going program, with projects such as Shop@rt, the workshop program, Urban Beat and several forums really coming to the fore.
Two years later, we were on again. The 2003 Festival, with the theme of 'Empowerment', saw the expansion of the festival to include an extensive theatre program, as well as Car Park Cinema, Carnivale and the Treasure Hunt program. Full details of the 2003 Festival are available.