Haven Transforms Sydney’s Darling Square into Hello Kitty Town

This month, Darling Square launched Hello Kitty Town, an immersive street festival paying homage to Hello Kitty & Friends. In partnership with Haven and Sanrio, Hello Kitty Town will be housed at Darling Square for three months featuring themed food and drink offerings and Australia’s largest Sanrio art exhibitions in the precinct. 

Anchored by a five-meter Hello Kitty inflatable and a free outdoor art exhibition with illustrators, Darling Square has been transformed into the world of Hello Kitty & Friends. Appearing in the precinct until April 29, activations and new food and beverage items will continue to be announced. 

“We’re thrilled to be bringing such a loved and iconic character to Darling Square,” says Jacqui Stanton, retail marketing manager, Darling Square and The Streets of Barangaroo. “Hello Kitty represents harmony and friendship and after what has been such a hard couple of years, it is an honor for us to celebrate joy and friendship with Hello Kitty & Friends. We hope to encourage Sydneysiders and tourists alike to visit the precinct and immerse themselves in the art, food and culture of Hello Kitty.” 

The festival has been curated by Eddie Zammit and produced by Authority Creative. Spread throughout the Darling Square precinct is an outdoor art exhibition, with graphic designers, illustrators and street artists. Artists include U.K. cartoonist, writer and illustrator, Gemma Correll; DXTR, a Berlin-based artist and illustrator; Melbourne-based large-scale mural painter, Justine McAllister; Australian artist, Travis Price, who is Hello Kitty’s featured artist for the festival and more. Hello Kitty merchandise is available to purchase in the precinct from various retailers and includes limited-edition plush toys, wallets, cosmetics and Hello Kitty hand sanitizer.  

The full list of activities and activations will be announced in the coming weeks and more information can be found at Darlingsq.com/hellokittytown.