News

New chapter for Benalla Street Art Festival

By Benalla Ensign

Apr 8, 2026

The Benalla Street Art Festival returns on April 17 and will feature 11 new murals. Pictured is artwork created for the 2025 festival by Adnate and Drez. Photo: James Bugg.

Benalla Rural City is preparing to once again transform into a vibrant open-air gallery as the Benalla Street Art Festival returns from April 17 to 19, unveiling a new creative chapter for one of regional Australia’s largest street arts events.

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Leading the festival this year is newly appointed curator Simon Grant, founder of the Wonderwalls Street Art Festival and one of Australia’s most respected figures in large-scale public art.

Under his guidance, the festival is evolving while remaining grounded in what has made Benalla a respected leader in the street art space.

“Street art has an incredible ability to transform spaces and connect people,” Mr Grant said.

Simon Grant is the 2026 Benalla Street Art Festival curator.

“Benalla already holds a special place in Australia’s street art landscape, and this next chapter will build on that legacy while introducing new voices, new stories and a fresh creative energy.”

The 2026 program continues the festival’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity and accessibility, inviting locals and visitors alike to engage with art beyond traditional gallery walls.

Across the town, walls and laneways will become places of reflection, dialogue and shared experience.

By bringing together local talent alongside national and international creatives, the festival continues its trajectory toward becoming a nationally recognised celebration of culture, creativity and community.