The Benalla Rural City Council is calling on locals to get involved in the 2027 Benalla Street Art Festival, with applications now open for volunteers and expressions of interest invited from businesses and community groups wanting to host an event. The festival will run over three days, from Friday 2 April to Sunday 4 April 2027, transforming Benalla into a vibrant outdoor gallery of local and international street art.
The festival program will be complemented by a diverse range of fringe events designed to attract new and younger audiences, including live music, contemporary arts experiences, food and beverage activations, family-friendly entertainment, youth-focused activities, creative workshops and cultural experiences. Together, these events will enhance the festival atmosphere, encourage longer visitor stays, increase local spending and strengthen Benalla’s reputation as a vibrant regional destination for arts and culture.
Businesses, individuals, community groups and service organisations are encouraged to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to host an event as part of the festival program. Applications close Friday 29 January 2027, though groups wanting their event included in the official printed program need to submit their EOI, along with event photos, by Monday 1 December 2026. Events submitted after this date will still be promoted through the festival’s digital channels
Event hosts can apply for funding to help bring their ideas to life, with a $750 Quick Response Grant or Major Event Funding of up to $3,000 available.
Run by Benalla Rural City Council and guided by the community-based Benalla Street Art Festival Advisory Committee, the festival aims to become a nationally recognised celebration of contemporary arts and culture, generating economic and social benefits for Benalla Rural City and the broader High Country region.
Festival Curator Simon Grant said the festival continues to grow as a celebration of creativity and community spirit.
“Having now seen the impact of the festival firsthand on a local level, it’s impressive to see how many different parts of the community come together to make the event what it is,” Mr Grant said.
Council is also seeking volunteers aged 15 and over to help bring the festival to life behind the scenes. Volunteers will receive a festival t-shirt, invitations to official events, the chance to meet visiting artists, recognition across festival media, and OH&S training where required.
Those interested in volunteering can apply through the Benalla Rural City Council website.
The Benalla Street Art Festival is run by Benalla Rural City Council and overseen by the community-based Benalla Festival Advisory Committee. Now an annual highlight on the region’s events calendar, the festival aims to grow into a nationally renowned celebration of contemporary arts and culture, delivering economic and social benefits for Benalla and the wider High Country region.
For more information, visit benallastreetartfestival.com.au