Brisbane’s first public street art wall has been unveiled by Brisbane City Council under a new program aimed at supporting the city’s local art culture and creating vibrant public spaces.
Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said some of the world’s best artists had thrown their support behind the program, kicking off the transformation of the city’s first street art wall in Ekibin Park East, Greenslopes.
“Brisbane has been home to some of the world’s best street artists and there are some fantastic examples of their work on buildings throughout the city,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said.
“This new program will identify public spaces where street artists can express their creativity, hone their skills and transform blank canvases into amazing murals for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“I believe Brisbane’s street art can be a unique local tourism drawcard ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games with the potential for city-wide tours and outdoor exhibitions.”
He said the new program had emerged from the annual Brisbane Street Art Festival.
“Brisbane is renowned for our enviable outdoor lifestyle. Incorporating vibrant street art murals into public spaces is just another way we can help make Brisbane even better.”
Renowned street artists Smalls and Tervo said the legal street art walls were a step in the right direction to foster the talents of emerging street artists in Brisbane.
“This initiative is a clear demonstration from the Lord Mayor and Brisbane City Council that they genuinely care about Brisbane’s art,” said Tervo.
“It’s a space free from outside intervention that allows artists to push their styles, practice techniques and develop artistically in a safe environment.
“This wall and any future walls will significantly encourage and help foster artist creativity, creating a space to connect, develop and share knowledge – whether that be through future organised workshops or informal collaboration between artists.
“While there are increasing opportunities for paid commercial murals, these are not places for artists to take risks and develop, nor suitable for beginning artists to start out.
“By creating a space where artists are free to create public work with freedom to take chances and even fail, Council is showing a dedication to start building an environment that authentically supports a healthy and thriving public art community in Brisbane.
“Brisbane has a reputation on the world stage for being the birthplace of some of the world’s best muralists and it is time for Brisbane to see the talent that has formed in our humble river city and what can happen when it is fuelled by authentic Council support.”
For more information on the street art wall initiative visit brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘Brisbane Street Art Walls’ or call Council on 3403 8888.
