In for a treat: Benalla will soon be home to a plethora of new murals, with one big name artist already signed-up.
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Simon Ruppert
The re-launched Benalla Street Art Festival is set to flood the Rose City with visitors, attractions and, of course, brand new murals.
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The festival is returning as a week-long event, running from Thursday, March 21 to Thursday, March 28.
Festival Curator Eddie Zammit has been busy working behind the scenes on an impressive line-up of talented street artists.
While the full list will be released on March 1, the Ensign has a preview of one big name in the art world who is headed for the Rose City.
That is renowned Aussie artist and six-time Archibald Prize finalist David Bromley.
Talent: David Bromley is looking forward to helping re-boot the new and improved Benalla Street Art Festival. Photo: Sean McDonald.
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David and his wife, Yuge Yu, own Bromley & Co, which has both galleries and stores in Australia and China.
Mr Zammit said that despite having a successful career, Mr Bromley had never participated in a street art festival.
Ms Yu said Mr Bromley would bring a unique perspective to the festival.
“Living predominantly in regional areas, David is passionate about engaging with local communities, breaking the stereotype of regional artists producing only regional art,” she said.
She also spoke of Mr Bromley’s appreciation for graffiti artists, connecting more with the informal art scene than the traditional art world.
Mr Zammit said Mr Bromley’s participation seamlessly resonated with the values upheld by the festival's major sponsor, Visit Victoria, who has actively contributed by attracting prominent figures to the town.
“Born in 1960, Mr Bromley is widely recognised for his portraits, paintings of birds, butterflies, children, and female nudes,” Mr Zammit said.
“He began his artistic journey as a potter in Adelaide and has exhibited extensively across Australia, America, Asia, and Europe.”
Mr Zammit said he was excited about the ‘Bromley brand’ making a significant impact in Benalla.
“The documentary Bromley: Light After Dark, released in 2023, provides an in-depth look into his life and work.”
It will be screened at the new Benalla lakeside cinema as part of the festival and will include an accompanying exhibition featuring artefacts from the film.
The couple and the film’s director will also be part of a discussion panel following the screening.
Mr Zammit was also hoping to bring a Bromley & Co pop-up to Benalla as part of the festival.
Mr Bromley’s mural will be painted in the heart of Benalla, and Mr Zammit thanked Tricia Vale for her support in helping to make the partnership happen.
Mr Zammit said Mr Bromley was looking forward to engaging with the community and encourages everyone to say hello.
The Benalla Street Art Festival 2024 is presented by Benalla Rural City Council and has been made possible thanks to funding from Visit Victoria.
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