Canberra’s first urban street art festival will transform the city into an urban gallery
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Have you noticed a sudden burst of colour and vibrancy around Canberra—like the eight-storey mega mural at 35 Lonsdale Street in Braddon or the transformed Scott’s Crossing?
It’s all a part of ACT Surface Festival, Canberra’s first urban street art festival that will be painting the streets and laneways of Braddon, Civic, and the National Triangle with the works of 35 local and interstate urban artists.
Taking place from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 March, Surface will inject new colour and vibrancy into community spaces by expanding on the ‘teaser murals’ that have already brightened the city in the lead up to the festival.
Working across 30 walls and structures, the event celebrates the raw energy and rich diversity of our urban art scene by showcasing street art, graffiti, portraits, stencils, Indigenous art, geometric and abstract art.
By using the city as an urban gallery while sharing cultural and artistic expression, the aim of Surface is to remove the stigma of graffiti’s tags and offensive words by encouraging Canberrans to dive beneath the surface of each mural while enjoying local produce, shopping and entertainment.
Featuring acclaimed artist Tim Phibs (PHIBS)—who collaborated on the eye-catching mural in Braddon with urban artist Beastman to elevate their craft to epic heights—the event supports local and interstate artists while asking attendees to think about art and its role as a cultural compass, both on and off the street.
The festival also showcases 10 female urban artists including Indigenous artist Kristie Peters, Claire Foxton, local artists Hanna Hoyne and Faith Kerehona and more. With talent spanning various mediums and techniques (from abstract to realism), they bring their own unique story-telling skills to the usually male-dominated art form.
Presented by the ACT Government and curated by PHIBS, the program features a rich events calendar including tours, workshops, exhibitions, performances, panel talks, and art installations.
The transformed Scott’s Crossing
Among the events is the ‘Under the Surface’ exhibition, a program of talks and workshops with popular creatives and artists at Gorman Arts Centre that will take place across the Friday and Saturday.
There will also be a a Tram Stop Sketch and Eat event starting in Gungahlin, a Woden Youth Street Art Festival, and an outdoor exhibition at the Woden drains on the southside.
If that’s not enough, 280 square metres of artwork and murals will be installed at the National Triangle, with both the Parkes Way pedestrian tunnel and Commonwealth Avenue pedestrian tunnel transforming thanks to an all-star collaboration including Beastman, Eddie Longford, Karri McPherson and Tim Phibs.
Once Canberra’s urban gallery is completed, you’ll be able to meet the artists, grab a drink and kick back at the BentSpoke Surface Festival Wrap Party.
While most of the event is accessible by walking, cycling and using public transport, it’s recommended to plan ahead and visit between 10 am and 6 pm to watch the murals unfold before your eyes.
It’s also important to note that weather conditions may impact when artists paint during that timeframe, so keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast and pack an umbrella just in case.
Giving opportunities for artists and the community to be involved in brightening and enriching public spaces, the best part of Surface is that it’s free, it’s outside, it’s inclusive, it’s immersive and it’s COVID-safe.
As a predominantly non-ticketed event, Check-In CBR QR codes will be available throughout the festival.
Get ready to enjoy exploring Canberra like you’ve never seen it before.
For more information visit surfacefest.com.au
