Latest News

PRESS RELEASE

Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism is very excited to announce Mural Fest will be taking place between Sunday 3^rd November and Saturday 9^th November 2024.

Nine artists will be selected from entries from Australia and around the world to each paint a mural over a 6 ½ day period based on the inspired theme, ‘The Magic of the Minuscule’. Conducted in Mural Park, Sheffield’s very own ‘Outdoor Art Gallery,’ Mural Fest will continue to test an artist’s skills, endurance, and tenacity while subjecting them to public scrutiny, time constraints and Tasmania’s unpredictable weather.

Three prizes will be awarded, The People’s Choice Award ($10,000), Judges Highly Commended-Award ($5,000) and the Volunteers Award ($1,000).

‘We are looking forward to a diversity of interpretation of this year’s theme and are encouraging artists to really stretch their imagination,’ commented Sandy Brattstrom, President of Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism.

‘Mural artists thinking about entering Mural Fest should visit muralfest.com.au and download an Entry Form,’ Sandy continued, ‘with entries due by the 30th August 5pm AEST’.

To stay up to date with all the latest Mural Fest information, stay connected to Mural Fest on Instagram and FB and visit www.muralfest.com.au.

PRESS RELEASE

The nine Finalists raced to the finish line with brushes down on Saturday 11th November at 4pm. After painting for six consecutive days from the early hours of the morning into the evenings, a sense of a surreal accomplishment and joy filled Mural Park in Sheffield.

President of Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism, Sandy Brattstrom commented ‘It was wonderful watching the artists progressing their murals inspired by ‘The Spirit of Adventure’ over the six days as they raced towards the finishing line – their murals evolving as the finer details were added.’

The winners were announced Saturday afternoon, shortly after ‘Brushes Down’, with the artists and their families joined by sponsors, special guests, Mural Fest volunteers, and members of the public.

Inder Prize – People’s Choice Award – $15,000

‘The Spirit of Adventure’

By Kerry Nicholson assisted by Malcolm Nicholson (QLD)

Sponsored by Working Arts Space Sheffield

Mural Description:

A fantastical scene of pioneer balloonists through a child’s eyes, perhaps an explorer’s son envisioning his future adventures. Adventure to me, echoes childhood’s enchantment: from tales like Jeremiah Johnson; It’s the boundless curiosity in young hearts. While not an adventurer, I’ve voyaged vast mental landscapes, never outgrowing youthful daydreams.

People’s Choice Runner-Up Award – $5000

Sponsored by Slaters Country Store

‘Everyday A New Adventure’

By Patricia Smart assisted by Olaf Grohs (NSW)

Sponsored by Sheffield Pioneer Holiday Units

Mural Description:

Children encapsulate the spirit of adventure. To them, the natural world is big, amazing, and exciting. I wanted to capture this spirit felt by children as they explore and experience the adventure that is life.

‘Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism would like to thank all our sponsors led by Davies Design & Construction for their most generous support of Mural Fest this year, our wonderful volunteers for giving of their time so freely and enthusiastically and once again congratulate our nine extraordinary artists.’ This year’s success belongs to you all.’

The murals will remain on display at Mural Park in Sheffield over the next eleven months. 

Save The Date – Mural Fest 2024 – 4th – 9th November

Make your mark on Mural Fest’s 20^th Year and ‘Paint-A-Square’ based on this year’s theme ‘The Spirit of Adventure’.

While artists are busily painting their murals in Mural Park, you can ‘Paint-A-Square’ on a full-size mural in Workshop 1 at the Sheffield Arts Centre and have some fun in a creative environment.

‘It’s not every day we get to celebrate twenty years of an iconic event in our town, so what better way than to get creative and leave your mark on this special occasion,’ President of Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism commented.

Open 9am to 4pm from Monday 6^th November to Saturday 11^th November (until the squares are all painted), people of all ages are welcome. Best to make a booking so you don’t miss out. Phone 0427 475 113 or email info@muralfest.com.au. However, if space is available you can paint on the day. The cost is $10 per square with funds supporting Mural Fest.

So pick up a paint brush, dream big, let your creativity shine, and inspire others with your interpretation of the ‘The Spirit of Adventure’. And, have fun while leaving your mark on Mural Fest 2023.

Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism is delighted to announce the nine Finalists for Mural Fest 2023.

• Gren Freeman (TAS)
• Brooklyn Jaxx (TAS)
• Steve Monk assisted by Carole Monk (VIC)
• Kerry and Malcolm Nicholson (QLD)
• Marion Robertson assisted by Naomi Robertson (TAS)
• Patricia Smart assisted by Olaf Grohs (NSW)
• Marc Spijkerbosch assisted by Tracey Lee Cassin (NZ)
• Chenchen Wang (VIC)
• Fong-Jhu, Wu assisted by Yu-Cheng, Guo (TAS)

Sandy Brattstrom, President of Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism commented, “We have a great line up of incredibly talented artists from New Zealand and around Australia who will create an exciting and competitive Mural Fest competition in November”.

“There will be a mix of familiar faces and newcomers painting who will create nine murals based on the theme ‘The Spirit of Adventure’. Over the course of six days, Mural Fest will test the artists’ skills, endurance and tenacity while subjecting them to public scrutiny, time constraints and Tasmania’s unpredictable weather. All artists will be challenged.”

“We hope you will join us at Mural Park as we cheer the artists on at ‘Paint Off’ that will mark the start of the competition at 9am on Monday 6^th November and as we countdown to ‘Brushes Down’ at the end of the competition at 4pm on Saturday 11^th November,” Sandy continued.

Throughout Mural Fest the public will be encouraged to vote for their favourite mural, with two awards being presented at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday 11th November at 5pm – The People’s Choice Award Inder Prize ($15,000) and the People’s Choice Runner-Up Award ($5,000) sponsored by Slaters Country Store.

“We’re looking forward to a great event in November with lots of activities taking place in the leadup to and during Mural Fest including ‘Paint A Square’ on the Spirit of Adventure Mural at the Sheffield Arts Centre, the Spirit of Adventure Through the Lens Photography Contest, the Spirit of Adventure Kids Art Contest, a Virtual Reality Demonstration Mural Painting Event and Working Arts Space Sheffield’s ‘Warm is the Colour’ Exhibition at the Sheffield Art Gallery.”

Mural Fest 2023 is taking place between Monday 6^th November and Saturday 11^th November at Mural Park in Sheffield from 9am to 4pm. Open to the public and free of charge, we’re encouraging everyone to join in the fun at Mural Park, vote for your favourite mural and help us celebrate 20 years of Mural Fest in Sheffield. For more information visit www.muralfest.com.au.

In time to celebrate twenty years of Mural Fest later this year, the Sheffield-based festival will benefit from funding for new weatherproof screens as part of the 2023 Hydro Tasmania Community Grant program.

Kentish Arts, Commerce and Tourism Inc was awarded $5,000 to assist with purchasing the new weatherproof screens which will help protect artists and their work at the popular outdoor festival.

Thanks to the Hydro Tasmania Community Grant program, a total of $27,000 was allocated to six deserving community groups.

The community grant program is now in its seventh year, with grants awarded up to a total of $5,000 to organisations across the state.

Hydro Tasmania’s Community Advisor, Kate Hickey, said that Hydro Tasmania has a long history of supporting the community with these grants.

“The grants provide a positive impact to Tasmanians. We look forward to seeing these projects come to life for these deserving community groups and congratulate the recipients for 2023,” Ms Hickey said.

Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism is very excited to announce it will be ‘Celebrating 20 Years of Mural Fest’ in November between Monday 6^th November and Saturday 11^th November. Nine artists will be selected from entries received from mural artists from Australia and around the world to paint a mural over a six-day period based on the theme ‘The Spirit of Adventure’. Three prizes will be awarded, The People’s Choice Award ($15,000), the People’s Choice Runner-Up Award ($5,000) and the Volunteers Award ($1,000) with the murals remaining on display in Mural Park until October 2024.

Building upon last year’s Mural Fest success, this year’s event will be open to the public free of charge.

Sandy Brattstrom, President of Kentish ACT commented, ‘We are grateful for the support we are receiving from our sponsors and volunteers and look forward to a fun and celebratory event in November, but we are still looking for additional sponsors to ensure all artists are sponsored during Mural Fest’.

‘We are also looking for volunteers who might like to join us during the week-long event’.

Whether it be helping with administration, looking after the artists, meeting and greeting those attending the event, selling raffle tickets, working at the voting table…whether it be for a few hours, a day or several days, there are many tasks requiring assistance. Volunteering is fun and rewarding, a great opportunity to meet new people, gain new skills and make a difference in the community in which you live.

If you would like to make a financial contribution or become a volunteer, please contact us at info@muralfest.com.au or phone 0427 475 113. Our committee would be most grateful’.  A volunteers meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 14^th September at 10am at the Sheffield Arts Centre.

Davies Construction Tasmanian Mural Fest

The nine Finalists raced to the finish line with brushes down on Friday 11^th November at 4pm. After painting for five consecutive days from the early hours of the morning into the evenings, a sense of a surreal accomplishment and joy filled Mural Park in Sheffield.

President of Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism, Sandy Brattstrom commented ‘the artists painted through the heat, the rain, the wind and into the night to complete their extraordinary murals inspired by the place they call home’.

‘It was wonderful watching the artists progressing their murals over the five days as they raced towards the finishing line – their murals evolving as the finer details were added.’

The winners were announced on Friday evening shortly after brushes down with the artists and their families joined by sponsors of the event, special guests, and Mural Fest volunteers.

Inder Prize – People’s Choice Award – $7000
Sponsored by Slaters Country Store

‘A Generous Gift’
By Janine Poke assisted by Zeenah Mamonski
Representing Railton

Mural Description:
Inspired by Sykes Sanctuary Railton enjoyed by walkers and bike riders, you can see wildlife. Recreating his small shack with a dirt floor, no power, just the essentials.

Mr Norman Sykes WW1 pilot, WW2 aeronautical engineer. Recluse resident of Railton left his peaceful place for us to enjoy.

Judges Highly Commended Award – $2000
Sponsored by Eagles Nest Retreat

‘Promised Land’
By Shasa Bolton and Jan Rigden Clay
Representing Promised Land

Mural Description:
We may be promised a little patch of earth, whether we shape it into our vision of its potential is up to us. Promised land reminds me that we ultimately build our own homes, both in our outlook and creative shaping of our gifted patch of space and time.

The murals will remain on display at Mural Park in Sheffield over the next eleven months and will then be relocated to the towns/regions they represent throughout Tasmania and will form Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism’s newest initiative The Tasmanian Mural Trail.

We have professionally taken and edited video footage available of last evening’s announcement / event which we can email through to you if required.

Mural Fest is delighted to have Guest Artist and Deloraine local, Fabian Micali painting at the Sheffield Arts Centre from 7^th November through to the 11^th November.

Originating from Trieste, Italy, Fabian came to Australia in the 1950’s. He studied Visual Art and Design, Anatomy and Visual Communication at the Queensland University of Technology and attended the Queensland College of Art and then moved to Tasmania in 2012.

Fabian works in various mediums including pen and ink, acrylic, oils, and watercolours and has been influenced by the Old Masters and graphic artist, M.C. Escher. He is inspired by surrealism.

Over the years Fabian has undertaken several private commissions as well as corporate commissioned works for McDonalds, the Sydney Opera House, the Hyatt Group and McGraw Hill. His work has been exhibited in galleries across Australia.

As this year’s Mural Fest theme is ‘The Place I Call Home’, Fabian will be painting his interpretation of the place he calls home, the beautiful and quaint town of Deloraine on the banks of the Meander River.

Local artist, automata maker and first time Mural Fest Finalist, Shasa Bolton is excited to have been chosen as a Finalist and is looking forward to the opportunity to paint in the company of crowd favourites at this year’s big event.

‘Having been a spectator in the past, this year I feel as if I’m properly becoming acquainted with Mural Fest, identifying with an event that has contributed to creating our community’s identity.’

Shasa will be painting alongside his mum, Jan Rigden Clay, also a first-time Finalist at Mural Fest. Their artistic skills and endurance will be tested as all finalists are subjected to public scrutiny, time constraints and unpredictable weather.

“But that’s not going to deter us. Mural Fest is a great event, a fun event and we’re up for the challenge. We’re going to enjoy every minute of it.”

Shasa enjoys creating surreal trompe L’oeil art that aims to trick the viewer into feeling that they may be viewing something extraordinary in the real world. He generally tries to create imagery that is whimsical and leaves the viewer with positive yet curious thoughts.

Having been involved in the painting of a couple of large-scale public murals in Tasmania and New Zealand, Shasa has also completed many smaller murals within Tasmazia’s model villages. Shasa’s other artistic projects are based around moving robotic sculpture and mechanical toys.

Jan, on the other hand, loves the world of fantasy and intrigue and has collaborated with her son Shasa on many projects over the years.

After completing a Diploma in Fine Art, Jan became a photorealist painter whose paintings have sold around the world. After taking a break to work with hot glass she is now reuniting with the paint brush and experimenting with different art styles.

There is no doubt that talent runs in the family which has put both Shasa and Jan in good stead for ‘Paint Off’ on Monday 7^th November, 9am at Mural Park.

Mural Fest is delighted to have two Finalists from the Central Coast painting at Mural Fest this year.

Artists, Allison Pryer and Brooklyn Jaxx are newcomers to Mural Fest and are excited about bringing their interpretations of ‘The Place I Call Home’ to the outdoor mural boards, in front of the public and amidst unpredictable weather.

Originally from Burnie and after travelling throughout Australia and overseas for many years, Allison returned to Tasmania five years ago to settle in Ulverstone, a town she describes as ‘a town with heaps of gusto and character’. With over 15 years of creating ceramics and many years of painting experience with acrylics and sculpture, Allison is now increasing her painting prominence and enjoying painting murals. Allison has also authored and illustrated a children’s story and activity book for young children, ‘The Uncool Fool: Talking Rubbish.

Brooklyn Jaxx is a multi-disciplinary Tasmanian artist who thrives on creative challenges. Utilising a range of methods of creative expression, she is drawn to acrylic paint as her preferred medium. A qualified graphic designer, photographer, and videographer she has over 15 years industry experience. With privately commissioned murals in the Cradle Country area Brooklyn loves to explore the ever-changing landscape of the North West, and is eager to explore her identity as a more prominent mural artist in the Tasmanian community.

With such strong talent, it will be exciting to see the creation of Allison and Brooklyn’s murals at Mural Fest. So don’t forget to visit Mural Fest and cheer your local favourites on as they compete with seven artists from around the State over a five-day period. And don’t forget to vote for your favourite mural which will receive the Inder Prize People’s Choice Award $7000 prize. Other activities include: Muralisation of Objects, Lazy Mural Walk, Virtual Reality Mural Demonstration, Mini-Mural Painting for Children, and the Flora & Fauna Exhibit at the Sheffield Art Gallery.

Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism is delighted to announce the nine Finalists for the 2022 Davies Construction Tasmanian Mural Fest.

• John Eathorne
• Allison Pryer
• Fong-Jhu Wu and Fangzhou Li
• Fereleth Lee and Gillian Robnik
• Gren Freeman
• Shasa Bolton and Jan Rigden Clay
• Alicia Swiderska assisted by Dorota Swiderska
• Brooklyn Jaxx
• Janine Poke

Sandy Brattstrom, President of Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism commented, “We have a great line up of talented artists who will create an exciting and competitive Mural Fest competition in November”.

All nine Finalists will be painting over a five-day period from the 7^th to the 11^th November in Mural Park, Sheffield based on the theme “The Place I Call Home’.

Crowd favourites Fereleth Lee, Gillian Robnik, Alicia Swiderska and Gren Freeman have been past winners of Mural Fest while John Eathorne has been a finalist on several occasions.

Newcomers to the competition include Allison Pryer, Fong-Jhu Wu and Fangzhou Li, Shasa Bolton and Jan Rigden Clay, Brooklyn Jaxx and Janine Poke, all of whom will bring their A-Game and artistic skills to the competition.

“Open to public scrutiny and unpredictable weather conditions, all artists will be challenged.”

At the conclusion, two prizes will be awarded, The People’s Choice Award Inder Prize ($7000) sponsored by Slaters Country Store and the Highly Commended Award ($2000) sponsored by Eagles Nest Retreat. The nine murals will remain on display in Mural Park for eleven months until the murals are relocated to the towns/regions they represent in Tasmania, forming ‘The Tasmanian Mural Trail’.

Davies Construction Tasmanian Mural Fest 2022 is taking place between Monday 7^th November and Friday 11^th November at Mural Park in Sheffield from 9am to 4pm. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or can be purchased at the event. For more information visit www.muralfest.com.au.

Join local, Marie Bean for a ‘Lazy Mural Walk’ around Sheffield during Mural Fest celebrations in November. Fitness consultant, running trainer, and author of Lazy Runner, Marie loves walking and running throughout the scenic Kentish region.

Starting at 9am every day from the IGA Car Park, from Monday 7^th November until Friday 11^th November, Marie will take you on a different walk each morning, highlighting a couple of Sheffield’s prominent murals.

“After walking approximately 5km, participants will arrive at Mural Park where they can check in on how the artists are progressing with their murals”, Marie commented, “and then enjoy morning tea at one of Sheffield’s great cafés”.

The Lazy Mural Walk is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness and the cost is free, so just come along and join in the fun!

Rich in history and generational linage, Slaters Country Store has, over many years contributed to the growth and personality of Sheffield and assisted in helping create a sense of community.

Owner of Slaters Country Store, Cindy Dyer, commented “My Husband John loved Sheffield, Mt Roland and the Kentish area and wanted to share it with the World, so John, along with a small team of like-minded folk, began to work hard to bring Brian Inder’s vision of a weeklong, outdoor paint off, to life in Sheffield.”

In 2004 John and Cindy, along with their daughter, Ellen travelled to Nevada USA to attend the Global Mural Conference where John presented and won the bid for Sheffield to host the 2008 Global Mural Conference in conjunction with Sheffield’s week long paint off called Mural Fest.

“It was a fantastic opportunity which put Sheffield on the World stage and we became known as the ‘Town of Murals’.”

“John pretty much ran through life” Cindy commented, “and he was very keen to be part of helping to make Mural Fest something great. He understood that an event such as Mural Fest would add interest to the town, encourage folk from right around the World to visit, which in turn would help to support local businesses in the area.”

“Contributing to Mural Fest through sponsorship is our way of honouring John and the original small team of dedicated folk who worked tirelessly over many years. It’s about investing back into this wonderful community and ensuring Mural Fest continues to be a great success.”

Slaters Country Store is proud to be the sponsor of this year’s People’s Choice Award Inder Prize.

“Hearing Cindy speak about John’s love for this town and the early days of Mural Fest, and his selfless commitment has inspired me” Sandy Brattstrom, President of Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism stated, “Slaters contribution is more than a sponsorship, it comes from the heart and is part of John’s legacy he leaves with the town.”

Contact:  Sandy Brattstrom | President, Kentish ACT
P. 0427 475 113
E. ssbrat@activ8.net.au

Have you ever thought about muralising a jewellery box, a favourite wooden chair, a wine rack…or maybe a ceramic pot or garden ornament?

This year at Mural Fest you can. You can bring your own item and muralise away at the Sheffield Arts Centre while artists are busily painting their murals in Mural Park. Or you can pick up a pot or other item at Mural Fest to muralise. Paint will be supplied with the only charge being your entry to Mural Park. Tickets are $5 for single day entry or $10 for five-day entry between 10am and 4pm from Monday 7^th November to Friday 11th November and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.au or at the event.

Why not come along with a friend or family member and have some fun in a creative environment.

We encourage you to be as imaginative and out there as possible. Contemporary, abstract, whimsical, pop art…whatever your heart desires. The sky is the limit. Photos will be taken of muralisation items when completed and a prize awarded to the most creative.

Best to make a booking so you don’t miss out. Phone Sandy Brattstrom on 0427 475 113 or email info@muralfest.com.au . However, if space is available you can rock up and muralise on the day.

Contact:  Sandy Brattstrom | President, Kentish ACT
P. 0427 475 113
E. ssbrat@activ8.net.au

Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism is excited to announce Davies Construction Tasmanian Mural Fest will be taking place in Sheffield between Monday 7th November and Friday 11^th November 2022.

This year nine artists from around Tasmania will be selected to paint a mural over a five-day period based on the theme ‘The Place I Call Home’. Two prizes will be awarded, The People’s Choice Award ($7000) and the Highly Commended Award ($2000). Murals will remain on display in Mural Park for eleven months until the murals are relocated to the towns they represent, forming Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism’s newest initiative, the ‘Tasmanian Mural Trail’. This unique mural trail will begin and end in Sheffield and will showcase the special characteristics that towns around Tasmania call their own.

“Tasmanian councils and arts groups are being encouraged to seek out and sponsor an artist to paint a mural representing their town or region at this year’s Mural Fest, a mural which will find its home in the town it represents and will form part of the Tasmanian Mural Trail” stated Sandy Brattstrom, President of Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism (Kentish ACT).

Sandy further commented, “Mural Fest is committed to creating an annual event which contributes to the unique interest of the ‘Town of Murals’ by providing emerging and established artists with an opportunity to showcase their talents in a public forum, assisting in their artistic growth and development, and promoting mural art as a valued art form. We’re all looking forward to a great Mural Fest in November!”

This year, Mural Fest is looking for Tasmanian mural artists to compete at Mural Fest while creating a special mural for their town/region and contributing to the launch of the Tasmanian Mural Trail in 2023. Mural artists are requested to email an Expression of Interest to either julianbale1@hotmail.com or info@muralfest.com.au. For further information visit www.muralfest.com.au or phone Arts Manager, Julian Bale on 0447 370 008.

Contact:  Sandy Brattstrom | President, Kentish ACT
P. 0427 475 113
E. ssbrat@activ8.net.au

Plans are well underway for Davies Construction Tasmanian Mural Fest 2022 with Davies Construction first to confirm the naming rights sponsorship for this great event.

Founder and CEO, Luke Davies commented, “Davies Construction chooses to sponsor Mural Fest each year because we love our local community. We believe in the vision of making Sheffield the Outdoor Art Gallery of Tasmania and the benefits this brand will bring to our kids and future residents of Sheffield and the Kentish Municipality”.

Scheduled to take place between Monday 7^th November and Friday 11^th November 2022, Davies Construction Tasmanian Mural Fest 2022 will be complemented by a number of special events including Muralisation of Objects, Virtual Reality Mural Painting, Mini Mural Painting for Children and Pop-Up Exhibitions in Sheffield.

“Without the generous support received from businesses in our community such as Davies Construction and the public, we would be unable to ensure the success of Mural Fest,” Kentish ACT President Sandy Brattstrom stated, “it’s a credit to those who have sponsored Mural Fest year after year ensuring its sustainability and growth while creating a unique event for all to enjoy.”

“It’s just a great feeling to be able to do something for another human being. Our team gets a real buzz out of donating their time to install the new mural boards every year,” Luke remarked, “and I love taking my kids to look at the art and talk about the meanings of murals.”

“Davies Construction is about more than buildings, we’re about what buildings make possible. The place we live has the power to change our lives. Our company exists to guide people through the design and building phase and provide comfortable, high quality, unique, inspiring, and healthy dreams that create a better quality of life. The same goes for art, it can inspire you and has the power to make you feel happy and grateful.”

Over the coming month, The Davies Construction Tasmanian Mural Fest Event Team will be busy securing sponsorships and hope those wanting to contribute to the event, will join Davies Construction in support of this great event. Together we can achieve great things and look forward to a fantastic event in November.

“On top of a company’s core mission it’s important to focus on more than just making money,” Luke commented, “We believe business can also give back and do some good in the community. We have the philosophy that you should give in order to receive, and that by spending money on sponsorship and community projects like Mural Fest, means our money creates more value than say Facebook ads. We can both help the community while generating awareness about our business and potentially creating new work for our team members, contractors, and suppliers.”

If you would like to join Davies Construction as a sponsor of Mural Fest, please contact Sandy Brattstrom on 0427 475 113.

Contact:  Sandy Brattstrom
President, Kentish ACT

P. 0427 475 113
E. ssbrat@activ8.net.au

Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism is excited to announce Mural Fest will be taking place between Monday 7th November and Friday 11th November 2022.

This year nine artists from around Tasmania will be selected to paint a mural over a five-day period based on the theme ‘The Place I Call Home’. Two prizes will be awarded, The People’s Choice Award ($7000) and the Highly Commended Award ($2000). Murals will remain on display in Mural Park for eleven months until the murals are relocated to the towns they represent, forming Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism’s newest initiative, the ‘Tasmanian Mural Trail’. This unique mural trail will begin and end in Sheffield and will showcase the special characteristics that towns around Tasmania call their own.

“Tasmanian councils and arts groups are being encouraged to seek out and sponsor an artist to paint a mural representing their town or region at this year’s Mural Fest, a mural which will find its home in the town it represents and will form part of the Tasmanian Mural Trail” stated Sandy Brattstrom, President of Kentish Arts Commerce and Tourism.

Sandy further commented, “Mural Fest is committed to creating an annual event which contributes to the unique interest of the ‘Town of Murals’ by providing emerging and established artists with an opportunity to showcase their talents in a public forum, assisting in their artistic growth and development, and promoting mural art as a valued art form. We’re all looking forward to a great Mural Fest in November!”

If you would like to volunteer, become a sponsor, or require additional information, please contact Sandy Brattstrom on 0427 475 113.