Internationally renowned aerosol artist Sam “Smug” Bates will create one of five murals in Murray Bridge’s CBD as part of a public art festival next month.
The Wall to Wall Festival, an extension of a Victorian event, was announced in February.
Now we finally know the lineup of artists involved and where they’ll be working:
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Smug (United Kingdom) at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery on Sixth Street
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Drez (Victoria) at the Edwards Square sound shell
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Sofles (Queensland) at the Murraylands Skills Centre on Bridge Street, on the Bridgeport Hotel car park side
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Justine McAllister (Victoria) at the Salvation Army thrift shop on Fourth Street
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Stephanie Cartledge (New South Wales) at the Independent Learning Centre on Seventh Street
Smug had originally been contracted in 2021 to paint a mural on Murray Bridge’s silos, but the project was cancelled last year.
Instead, some of the themes suggested by local schoolchildren and members of the public will be used in the five new murals.
For example, Cartledge’s mural on the walls of the ILC – which locals will be able to help her paint by numbers – will feature underwater river life.
The festival will be launched at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery at 5pm on April 12, and guided tours of the CBD will be offered over the weekend.
Wall to Wall will wrap up with a street party on Sixth Street from 12-5pm on the Sunday, April 14.
On the lineup will be avant-garde art band the Bait Fridge, plus local performers Exit Plan, Katie Aspel, Sam Hissey and performers from the Station youth centre.
Gallery director Fulvia Mantelli said the festival would help make Murray Bridge a destination for tourists interested in the arts, and would generate a sense of inclusivity and wonder.
“Wall to Wall Murray Bridge is a special opportunity for Murray Bridge,” she said.
“Our project partner, Juddy Roller, has secured a great selection of leading mural artists.
“All within walking distance of each other, a mix of colourful abstract and figurative murals will offer new ways to interact with our public spaces.”
The festival will be presented with support from the federal government’s RISE Fund.
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