Event Curator sought to deliver the 2024 Benalla Street Art Festival

Published on 01 August 2023

Council is seeking a skilled and experienced Street Art Curator/Festival Manager to provide the artistic lead for the 2024 Benalla Street Art Festival.

The successful applicant will collaborate with Council, the Benalla Street Art Advisory Committee and community and industry stakeholders to co-ordinate the key local event.

Suitably qualified and experienced organisations, teams or individuals are encouraged to apply.

The 2024 Benalla Street Art Festival is scheduled to be held the week prior to Easter 2024 (from Friday 22 March to Sunday 24 March 2024), with an option for an additional year’s delivery.

Benalla Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn said Benalla’s Street Art Festival had contributed to placing Benalla as one of the world's most significant street art cities, attracting international artists such as Adnate, Guido van Helten and Rone.

‘Since 2015, Benalla’s Street Art Festivals have resulted in more than 70 contemporary public murals painted on walls, laneways and buildings across Benalla and the surrounding rural villages,’ Cr Hearn said.

‘The event is much loved by the community and draws significant numbers of visitors to the region.’

With more than 10,000 people attending Benalla’s past street art events, visitors observed world-renowned street artists up close, as their painted works took shape over several days, culminating in a giant outdoor gallery.

These events were complemented by creative experiences, including hands-on workshops, guided street art tours, bus tours to villages, artist talks, street art cinema, and a central Festival hub with live music and visitor servicing.

Benalla’s Street Art Festivals have positively contributed to year-round cultural tourism within the district, complementing the offerings of the Benalla Art Gallery and North Eastern Silo Art trail.

Following COVID lockdowns and restrictions in 2020, the event was cancelled and has not been presented since.

Council undertook extensive community consultation in 2023 and formed a Benalla Street Art Advisory Committee to help provide strategic direction for the re-establishment of a renewed Street Art Festival.

As the event organiser, Council is supported by the committee which includes skills-based community members and Councillors and is directly supported by Council staff.

The appointed Curator/Festival Manager will work closely with the Benalla Street Art Advisory Committee Chair and Council to successfully deliver the Street Art Festival.

The 2024 Benalla Street Art Festival is intended to be a celebration of arts and culture demonstrating diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility.

Quotations are to be lodged electronically via Council’s e-tender portal at benalla.vic.gov.au/tenders by 2pm Monday 21 August 2023.

For any queries or further information please contact Council on 03 5760 2600 or email procurement@benalla.vic.gov.au