Australia’s regional street art capital, known locally as Benalla, has not seen a Wall to Wall Festival since COVID.
However, the newly re-branded Benalla Street Art Festival, scheduled to return in 2024, is one of three major festivals across the northeast to benefit from Victorian Government funding.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes recently announced that the Benalla Street Art Festival, the North East Food and Wine Festival, and Drag’d Out 2023 were successful funding recipients from the government’s $20 million Regional Events Fund.
The Benalla Street Art Festival will use its Regional Events Fund contributions to support a three-day Street Art Festival, which Benalla Rural City Council has reactivated.
Since 2015, this immersive arts festival has created more than 70 contemporary public murals across Benalla and its surrounding rural villages, reinforcing Benalla’s reputation as a vibrant arts destination.
During the event, visitors witness world-renowned street artists up close as works unfold across the weekend in one giant outdoor gallery.
In receiving the funds, Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn thanked the Victorian Government for supporting festivals, creative exhibitions, and cultural celebrations.
“The financial support of the Victorian Government to reactivate the Street Art Festival will help drive economic benefits for Benalla by increasing visitor numbers and length of stay, boosts spending in regional areas, and supports local jobs,” Cr Hearn said.
The North East Food and Wine Festival will use its Regional Events Fund contributions to support a three-day festival organised by Wodonga City Council showcasing food and beverage experiences of the North East and surrounds.
It will feature a blend of food, wine, entertainment, adventures, and activities, which present an opportunity for intrastate and interstate visitors to experience the tastes of the border region.
Drag’d Out will use its Regional Events Fund contributions to support a celebration of all people within the LGBTIQ+ community and the community at large.
It celebrates diversity and brings together people from all walks of life as a positive platform to continue the journey of education and inclusiveness.
Beechworth will host the event from November 16 to 19.
During four fabulous days, the town will be transformed into a buzzing mecca of colour, performance, excitement, and music as Drag’d Out celebrates the art form of ‘drag’.
Ms Symes said the government is proud to support these events because they encourage people to visit regional destinations and enjoy the wide range of experiences on offer.
“Drag’d Out 2023, North East Food and Wine Festival and the Benalla Street Art Festival will be fantastic events that are set to bring more visitors to the northeast, providing a boost to local businesses and jobs,” Ms Symes said.