Walk the Walls festival takes art to the streets

Last published on 09 Nov 2019

The biggest street art festival in NSW has kicked off with 35 artists transforming 40 sites for Walk the Walls Cronulla.

Attorney General and Member for Cronulla Mark Speakman said Walk the Walls features some of the best names in public art.

“These talented artists will paint the town with striking murals, turning Cronulla into an outdoor gallery for everyone to enjoy,” Mr Speakman said.

“The colourful festival will replace ugly vandalism with quality artworks to help prevent graffiti in the future.”

The three-day festival is funded jointly by a $75,000 crime prevention grant from the NSW Government and a $30,000 investment from Sutherland Shire Council.

Sutherland Shire Mayor Councillor Carmelo Pesce said the event builds on the success of the 2018 Walk the Walls Caringbah, attended by more than 5,000 people.

“There is no doubt our Cronulla event will be even bigger and better, working to reduce vandalism in the area and providing a boost to the local economy,” Cr Pesce said.

“Coinciding with Australian Music Week, the festival will offer plenty of artistic entertainment across our suburb, including a free community concert in Dunningham Park.”

Curated by renowned street artist Tim “Phibs” De Haan, the festival will showcase the work of creatives such as Ox King, Minna Leunig, Mulga, Alex Lehours, Shannon Crees and Elliott “Numskull” Routledge.

The theme of the festival is Sustainable Coastal Cronulla with public art displays to include posters, sculptures, stencils and urban art creating a lasting visual legacy.

“It is a celebration of street art and a drawcard for thousands of visitors and residents who love visiting vibrant and creative communities like Cronulla,” Phibs said.

Walk the Walls Cronulla runs from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 November this year. 

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