ANZ‘s Oxford Street branch has received a complete makeover to prepare for Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The redesign is a celebration of diversity and mutual respect while also paying homage to the 10-year anniversary of partnership between the bank and the parade.
The Oxford Street branch, which is on the main parade route, has been transformed into a luxurious Baroque-style space with ornate imagery in tribute to the local LGBTQI community.
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This comes after the popular GAYTMs were introduced in 2014, a series of ATMs that were designed by local artists to capture the essence of LGBTQI culture in Sydney.
Carolyn Bendall, head of marketing for ANZ Australia, told SheKnows that ANZ employees initially came up with the idea to get involved.
“When we began our partnership with Mardi Gras in 2007, it was because our staff believed in the cause and were proactive in registering ANZ to be in the parade,” she says.
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“After seeing the positive impact this had on engaging staff, our support has continued to grow, taking us into the 10th year of our partnership in 2016.
“In partnership with Mardi Gras, ANZ hopes to continue encouraging Australians to both embrace diversity and contribute to an inclusive society and culture.”
The out-there design, with its colourful murals and playful sculptures, was inspired by the LGBTQI community after the GAYTMs were so well received. The Baroque-style design was executed with the help of creative agency Whybin/TBWA.
“The Baroque-inspired aesthetic showcases the diversity of the LGBTI community in one coherent style and includes 16 hand-painted murals inspired by LGBTI culture and key LGBTI icons,” Bendall says.
“Historically, the baroque period has been embraced by the LGBTI community because it is playful and fun.”
Bendall says the bank is sharing a message with the wider community: “We hope we can continue encouraging our customers and the community to be themselves, whatever that may be.”
Have you visited GAYNZ on Oxford Street? Let us know.
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