Brisbane Street Art Festival (BSAF) might be the largest celebration of street art in Australia, and it returns this year with its biggest program yet.

More than 50 live public murals and installations are being created over 16 days, with both Aussie and international artists taking part (the first time they’ve joined the festival from overseas since 2019). Local heroes include Sofles, Lisa King and Rachael Sarra, while Miss Birdy, Iñigo Sesma and Fivust are among the visitors.

A large warehouse called Superordinary Northshore in the city’s northshore precinct will be the festival hub, hosting art events and surrounded by 12 of the mural activations being created. Live mural paintings are also taking place in iconic Brisbane spots, including Howard Smith Wharves, Queen Street Mall, RNA Showgrounds and Southbank.

BSAF is hosting an international exhibition from Hong Kong this year. Tools of the Trade looks at the history of street art and graffiti in the busy Asian city, with a focus on artists’ techniques and tools. Also on the program: a 90-minute Scribble Slam in collaboration with Botanica: Contemporary Art Outside; a Brisbane-themed photography show called House of Iris; and a new launch by Felons Brewing that features work by graffiti artist Sofles on a new beer can – the brew inside is a BSAF exclusive.

There are also twice as many workshops this year, open to different ages and backgrounds. And, as always, expect talks on different subjects like art as activism, creative careers and creating in the public space.

SOURCE: https://www.broadsheet.com.au/brisbane/event/brisbane-street-art-festival