Meta launches AR filters for Mardi Gras
Meta has launched AR filters on Instagram and Facebook as part of its ongoing sponsorship of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
The announcement:
As part of its ongoing sponsorship of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras since 2016, Meta has launched a range of interactive features and partnerships across Instagram and Facebook in support of the LGBTQIA+ community and to celebrate Sydney WorldPride.
An immersive AR Filter reflects Sydney’s Pride journey over the years:
The Pride History Group and Meta have partnered to launch the Walk With Pride AR filter on Instagram, which will be available from the Pride History Group Instagram Page from today.
The AR filter activates across six iconic sites in Sydney, taking users back in time on an immersive journey to understand and recognise some of the key places and moments in LGBTQIA+ history that have contributed to the community’s progress.
When people activate the filter on Instagram, they will see quotes and historical images come alive and interact with the buildings, stepping back into pivotal moments in LGBTQIA+ history. To see the filters, users will have to be at each of the sites, where there will be a QR code for them to scan and to activate the experience.
Locations for the #WalkWithPride AR Filter in Sydney include:
Taylor Square T2 Building
Former Darlinghurst Police Station
Former Taxi Club
Newtown Library
The Imperial
Prince Alfred Park (Rainbow Path)To bring the Walk With Pride AR Filter to life, an Advisory Group of representatives from Pride History Group, Queer Archives, the City of Sydney, World Pride Minus18, Blaq were consulted and the technical agency T&DA were responsible for building the AR Filter. Access the AR filter here.
Meta brings back the Mardi Gras Viewing Event Grants:
To support the hospitality industry and venues that are the homes and safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, Meta has once again partnered with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to bring back the Sydney WorldPride Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Events Grants.
Supporting local businesses to unlock economic opportunities for LGBTQIA+ artists and entertainers, Meta has awarded grants of up to $3,350 to venues around Australia who will host a COVID-safe event for the Official Sydney WorldPride Live & Proud: Opening Concert or Mardi Gras Parade Viewing Event for the 2023 festival.
In 2022, the program generated nearly $400,000 in revenue across 29 venues, which attracted over 6,500 attendees. Not only did these help local businesses recover from the impact of COVID shut downs, but it secured employment opportunities for over 260 staff, and over 200 performers.
For the 2023 festivities, Meta has identified thirty-one queer venues across Australia that will share in over $100,000 worth of grants to host events for either the Opening Concert (24 Feb) or Mardi Gras Parade (25 Feb).
From regional outback areas to coastal towns and inner-city hubs, each venue will feature a stellar line up of queer entertainment, including drag shows, live music, DJ’s, comedy and more.
For more information on the Meta Viewing Grants and the full recipient list visit the Sydney Mardi Gras website HERE.
Rainbow hashtags:
This year, Instagram is bringing back one of its most requested features – the rainbow hashtag – with more rainbow hashtags in 2023 than ever before. This feature will be available over the entire Sydney World Pride and Mardi Gras period, until March 6, with all members of the LGBTQIA+ community represented across the rainbow hashtags, including the First Nations community. In 2022, over 200,000 posts were created using rainbow hashtags during Mardi Gras.
Rainbow Reels Squad and Mardi Gras Parade Float:
Meta has teamed up with talented Australian queer artist and designer, @kaylathe.creator to produce the creative design for its Mardi Gras Parade float. Meta has also created its Rainbow Reels Squad, bringing together incredible LGBTQIA+ creators from Australia and internationally, from all walks of life who will headline Meta’s Parade Float on February 25th, including – Dom Porras, Emma Horn, Brandon Scott, Ben Blue, Meissa Mason, Milo Hartill, Holland, Eum, Christian Antolin, Wei, Nisamanee and Zutti Mattie.
Speaking to Meta’s #ConnectWithPride campaign, Mia Garlick, regional director of public policy – ANZ, Pacific Islands, Korea and Japan said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Mardi Gras, and wanted to offer something tangible to invest and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. Bringing the community together allows us to celebrate and promote greater understanding and representation across the board, and it was imperative that we invested to support them. As part of our partnership we’re continuing our work to support and celebrate our LGBTIQA+ community both online and offline, and build innovations into our products to bring a little bit of pride in people’s online experiences.”
President of Pride History Group, Dr Shirleene Robinson said: “There is a vital link between LGBTQIA+ inclusion, recognition and connection and our history. The Sydney LGBTQIA+ community has an incredibly rich history full of sacrifice and determination to make our society a better and fairer place for everyone. While there has been real struggle, there has also been love, laughter and connection as part of that journey. It is truly exciting to think that Meta has worked so closely with the Advisory Group of community advocates to develop a sensitive and educational approach that shows we have long been a vital part of this city and that our communities and experiences need to be included. I know the Walk With Pride AR filter will be meaningful to people from all backgrounds and walks of life. It is a wonderful means of connecting with more than 80 years of amazing LGBTQIA+ history and to inspire us on the journey ahead.”
Source: Herd MSL
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