Colourful Qantas kits showcase Aussie artists.

Break out your Jerry Garcia ties — they won’t be out of place when Australian carrier Qantas hands out colourful new international business class amenity kits from the start of May. The Australian carrier has selected 16 works from some of Australia’s leading artists, photographers and digital influencers to give passengers collectible pieces to take home.  Amenity kits have a myriad of post-flight uses so it's not unusual for passengers to take the bags with them. The sixteen amenity kits – eight each for men and women — feature names such as Fairy Bread, 7000 Ironbarks and Maaate. They include pop culture, photography, fine art, abstract landscape, Indigenous art and textile design. Two designs will launch every few months. “As the national carrier, we’re pleased to support talented Aussies telling uniquely Australian stories through their artwork and share them with a global audience,” Qantas group executive brand, marketing & corporate Affairs Olivia Wirth said. “Along with inflight pyjamas, we know amenity kits are an important part of the international Business class experience. Customers love the functionality of our kits and many use them after their flight as make-up bags, an evening clutch or to carry their mobile phones. So, the exposure is broad.” The airline’s support for the arts includes a joint acquisition program for contemporary Australian art with Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art and Tate in the UK as well as support for organisations such as the National Gallery of Australia, Opera Australia, Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre.