The Northern Territory has some of the best street art experiences in Australia, boosting the tourism experience for all visitors.
Darwin and Katherine have been recognised nationally, with a total of seven Territory finalists in the Australian Street Art Awards for 2022.
Finalists featured from Darwin include Sanctum (Cavenagh St/Austin Lane Metro building wall) by Andrew Bourke and Jesse Bell, Stay Grounded (Ground mural, cnr McMinn and Daly St) by Kitt Bennett, Darwin Didgeridoo at Darwin Airport by Anthony Duwan Lee, and multiple artists in Austin Lane, Darwin City.
Darwin artist, Jesse Bell produced all three nominated works for Katherine including the Katherine Arts Trail, Neighbour and the Big Rivers Portrait Series; an evolving series of portraits in Katherine of prominent individuals who have helped forge the Big Rivers region.
Jesse previously took out a Gold award for Best Monument or Memorial in 2021 for his tribute to the Wave Hill Walk Off with the Vincent Lingiari Memorial – From Little Things Big Things Grow in Bennett Street.
The Darwin Street Art Festival and Big Rivers Portrait Series are funded by the Northern Territory Government and delivered by Activate Territory, Katherine Regional Arts and Proper Creative.
The Darwin Street Art Festival is now in its seventh year and features an outdoor gallery of more than 60 artworks.
Established in 2018 the Australian Street Art Awards help to inform travellers about the array of publicly-accessible art across the country and recognise destinations that are using outdoor art to attract visitors, boost the economy and engage the local community.
The Awards are judged by tourism professionals with art tourism, tourism management or festivals expertise from across the country.
Quotes attributed to Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Nicole Manison:
“Each year our talented Territory artists are creating ground breaking and unique work which is consistently receiving national recognition in the public art and tourism space.
The Northern Territory Government is proud to continue to support The Darwin Street Art Festival, you only need to look on social media to see the beautiful street art inspiring visitors to the Territory.
Congratulations to all of our nominated Territory artists and I look forward to the announcement of the winners in February.”
Quotes attributed to Director Australian Street Art Awards, Liz Rivers:
“Communities that promote their street and outdoor art understand that it is a unique landmark – an attraction that visitors can see in only one place – and that makes their destination immediately identifiable, highly attractive and a drawcard for art-loving tourists.
Being shortlisted in these Awards further cements the reputation of these destinations as aspirational destinations for everyone who loves to discover visually stunning experiences.”
Quotes attributed to nominated Territory artist, Jesse Bell:
“I’m really excited to hear some of our murals were shortlisted for the street art awards this year.
I love how much the work we do transforms the Territory and these awards give us an opportunity to share our work and promote the NT to a wider audience.
Big thanks to the NT Government and Activate Darwin.”
Northern Territory Government
