SYDNEY, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- The iconic trams of Australia's Victoria state capital Melbourne turned into mobile canvases covered in local artists' best works on Thursday, as part of an international arts festival hosted by the cultural hub.

Melbourne's trams "have become canvases for some truly amazing works by our city's artistic legends ... as well as new and emerging artists," Victoria's Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said in a statement.

"By inviting artists to turn our iconic trams into giant mobile artworks, we're giving people right across the community access to some of the best contemporary art Victoria has to offer," Foley said.

The mobile canvas activity, into its sixth year, is a main feature of the city's global arts festival, which boasts displays and performances ranging from dance and theatre to music and visual arts in October.