Regional SA art projects shine as finalists in Australian Street Art Awards
In 2018, the Australian Street Art Awards were established with a clear mission – to acknowledge and celebrate communities, particularly those in remote and regional areas, that utilise outdoor art to enhance their appeal contributing to Australia’s tourism industry. There’s no need for a trip to the city for art appreciation with some of the most magnificent creative experiences right at our doorsteps.
The program, the first of its kind in the industry, has grown to become the largest platform recognising excellence and innovation in art tourism. Its aim is to spotlight Australian towns, cities, and regions that leverage forms of outdoor, publicly accessible art to promote their towns and engage their communities. By doing so, the awards play a vital role in letting travellers know about the incredible array of outdoor art scattered across the country.
The awards cover a range of categories, such as Best Mega Mural, Best Sculpture Park or Trail, and Best Street Art Tour, among others. These categories reflect the different forms of street and public art that make Australia visually exciting and culturally rich.
A highlight for the regions is that the Australian Street Art Awards is committed to promoting destinations beyond the major cities, encouraging tourists to less-explored areas.
Looking at the South Australian finalists covering 2023, it’s evident that street art has made its mark across the state. Projects like Bute’s Beaut Silo Art and the Centenary Lane Mural in Gawler showcase the creativity and community collaboration behind these projects. They not only beautify the towns but also put themselves on the map for being visually stunning destinations.
Last year’s winners from South Australia highlight the diversity of street art projects in our beautiful state. The Quorn Light Show in the Flinders Ranges, a free nightly display by Illuminart, earned Gold for Best Mega Mural while Bute Silo Art, a project that took seven years to bring to life, received Gold for Best Rural Art.
The awards also recognise individuals like Cindi Drennan, founder of Illuminart who was last year’s winner for the Outstanding Contribution to Australian Art Tourism Award. Her work in projection art, spanning 25 years, has not only transformed historic buildings and monuments but has also brought joy to communities across Australia.
The finalists for the Australian Street Art Awards in Regional South Australia, covering 2023 are:
Bute’s Beaut Silo Art – Barunga West Council
Best Mega Mural
Artists: Scott Nagy and Krimsone
Centenary Lane Mural – Town of Gawler
Best External Mural
Artist: Kyle Armstrong (aka Whale Tale)
Cradock War Memorial – The Flinders Ranges Council
Best Monument or Memorial
Artists: Cradock Heritage Group
Hawker Entranceway – The Flinders Ranges Council
Best Entrance Art
Artist: Juanella McKenzie
Kapunda Post Office Mural
Best Community Art
Artists: Volunteers from Kapunda, Mural Town SA Project, and Kapunda Community Gallery
Minlacowie Water Tank Mural – Yorke Peninsula Council
Best Mega Mural
Artists: Mike Makatron, Conrad Bizjak, Dylan Butler, Harley Hall
Town Mural Reinterpretation – Kapunda Mural Town Project
Artists: Kapunda Community Gallery Volunteers
Wool Bay Water Tank Mural – Yorke Peninsula Council
Best Rural Art
Artists: Sam Brooks, Harley Hall, Mark Harding, Rachelle Plazeriano, Garry Nowlan
The Australian Street Art Awards not only celebrate artists’ innovation and imagination, but also boosts community pride, develops industry leaders, supports emerging local artists, and attracts art-loving visitors who contribute to the local economy. Celebrating this year’s finalists, it’s clear that incredible art is not confined to city galleries, inviting everyone to explore the incredible outdoor art within our regional communities.
Winners of the Australian Street Art Awards will be announced on March 8.
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