The Big Picture Fest is returning to Newcastle this year from 30 September to 2 October 2022 with eight new mural sites.

The support of the Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) and The Festival of Place has allowed this internationally recognised street art festival to return for another year.

The three-day large-scale street art festival will bring together world class artists to showcase their work alongside local talent.

Spread across 20 prominent sites in the city, the festival will include a massive opening night party, exhibition, artist talks, workshops, graffiti jams, walking and cycling trails and more.

The Big Picture Fest Newcastle will be delivered as part of the NSW Government’s Festival of Place program to bring high-calibre street art to Newcastle’s public spaces.

The Festival of Place celebrates the breadth, beauty, and possibilities of NSW’s public spaces, aligning closely with The Big Picture Fest’s focus on free and accessible events for all to enjoy.

Chief Executive of HCCDC, Valentina Misevska said they are thrilled to be back on board as an Official Event Partner this year.

“The Big Picture Fest 2020 brought so much colour, energy and lasting vibrancy to the city and its growing street art trail continues to strengthen the appeal of Newcastle as a fantastic place to live, work, visit and explore,” Valentina said.

Executive Director of Cities Revitalisation and Place Transport for NSW, Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon said there’s enormous value in creating spaces for people from across diverse communities to come and participate and enjoy.

“The Festival of Place highlights the importance and beauty of great public spaces including our streets, and The Big Picture Fest Newcastle showcases how our public space can be a source of delight and connection through public art and activations that engage the community, and celebrate our connection to place,” Caroline said.

Newcastle is quickly setting the precedent for high-calibre street art. The Big Picture Fest brings life and colour to our city, offering a unique experience to locals and visitors.

The Big Picture Festival Director, Katerina Skoumbas said the Festival invites you into the artists’ world.

“It shows a process that leaves you with a beautiful and permanent piece of art,” Katerina said.

“Having the help of our generous partners means we can attract both top-tiered artists as well as create opportunities for local and emerging artists.

“It’s exciting to see the second edition of this festival take shape. Together we are making Newcastle into a national street-art destination.”

IMAGE | Art by Fintan Magee, Photo by Wilt Living.