Released 04/02/2022
The ACT Government has released the action-packed program for Canberra’s first Surface street art festival.
“Surface will support artists and businesses by encouraging Canberrans to wander through our city and shop, dine or drink local – as blank walls come alive with vivid urban artworks,” said Minister for City Services Chris Steel.
“On the first weekend of March, 35 local and interstate artists will work across 30 walls and structures throughout our city, drawing visitors to local entertainment precincts and presenting a diverse range of painting styles in a COVID-safe way.”
A majority of the Surface events will be featured in Civic, Braddon and The National Triangle. There will also be 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.
“I encourage everyone to hit the streets and come enjoy the festival with family and friends – it’s free, it’s outside, it’s inclusive and it’s immersive,” said Minister for Arts and Business Tara Cheyne.
“Surface is designed to experience at your own pace. We encourage visitors to move between areas by walking, cycling and using public transport where possible. We recommended visiting between 10am and 6pm to see the artists painting – and watch the murals unfold across the festival weekend.”
The program is now available online or can be collected in hardcopy at locations like the Canberra Centre, Canberra & Region Visitors Centre and Sancho's Dirty Laundry in Braddon from Friday.
Visit surfacefest.com.au for full details of festival events and registration details for indoor events, workshops, tours and panel talks.
Quotes attributable to Tim Phibs, ACT Surface Festival Producer:
“ACT Surface Festival channels contemporary placemaking, urban cultural renewal, and community connection. It explores and broadens existing notions of artmaking and asks us to think about art and its role as a cultural compass, both on and off the street” says Tim Phibs, Surface Festival Producer.
“I look forward to working with the high calibre of artists we have lined-up for Surface over the three day weekend and to celebrating with the community.”
For media use - ACT Surface Festival Video News Roll: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7upnb5bfxdnwssv/AACepWNRsDVObyM3Pl3GhVW_a?dl=0
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Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases