Jordan Regnis takes a look at the upcoming Big Picture Fest in Newcastle, and guides you through all of it’s must-see exhibitions. 

If anyone wants to get inspired this month, look no further than the Big Picture Festival. Hosted across Playstate Curate Gallery, Jams Karaoke Bar, and the Rogue Scholar, this free event will commence with its annual launch party on September 30 at play state gallery from 5-10 pm, with the event set to run till October 2.

It’ll display eight new pieces of large-scale murals to feature around the city at 20 binding sites for people to explore, with a group exhibition set to include artists from 2020 and 2022. The National young writer’s festival will also hold a dynamic poetry slam.

Adding to this will be four emerging artists in the local community as part of a new program titled CROSSPOINT. The festival will also hold free public events to recognise Newcastle’s graffiti art scene through a graffiti jam tribute made to ‘spray alley.’, which will highlight Newcastle’s long history of graffiti by partnering with local community arts UP&UP. So, this caters to each person, whether you’re interested in painting or graffiti art. The three artists joining the celebration include Georgia Hill, an Australian street artist who has painted in Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and Indonesia.

James Ellis is a mural artist from Brisbane who looks to share his life experiences through his artwork, showing our relationship with each other and the natural environment we encompass. Many of his works were displayed in country towns. Lastly, Michael Black is an artist from Sydney who shares his personal experiences through art. This is for anyone who wants to see the city in a new light and explore the creative ways people can transform spaces into something that gives off a greater sense of cultural and creative significance.

You can enter the ballot to receive a street art walking tour during the festival to get involved, DJ’S and scribble slam will be on offer. The festival is an excellent opportunity to explore the variety of street art on display in Newcastle and feel the difference it makes to the city’s sometimes overlooked urban spaces. It’s also an excellent opportunity to look at how artists use what’s around them in creating work that stands out.

For anyone wishing to enter the ballot to win a double pass to a walking tour and get the chance to meet the artists behind the scenes, you can follow the link below:

https://www.newcastleafoot.com.au/visit-big-picture-fest-newcastle

Feature image by Bronte Naylor via Big Picture Fest