New Street Art Festival to launch in 2026

Published on 03 September 2025

The City of Launceston has opened Expressions of Interest for Australian-based artists to help transform the Launceston CBD during the city’s inaugural Street Art Festival, to be held in March 2026.

Mayor Matthew Garwood said the Festival would build on Launceston’s growing reputation for vibrant public spaces and creative city-making.

"This Festival is an open invitation to artists from across Australia to bring bold ideas to our streets and laneways," Mayor Garwood said.

"We want works that celebrate Launceston’s character — our heritage, food culture, and natural beauty — while sparking fresh conversations about what it means to live, work and play here."

Guided by the Council’s Public Art Strategy 2023-2031 and Cultural Strategy 2020-2030, the Festival will commission a curated mix of artists and styles to create site-specific murals across high-visibility locations including the Brisbane Street Mall, Quadrant Mall, Tatler Parade and other CBD sites, including potential privately owned walls in partnership with property owners.

Key details

• Who can apply: Australian-based artist(s) across diverse practices and backgrounds.

• Festival window: Artists must be available 27–29 March 2026, with installation generally scheduled 23–29 March 2026 (lead times negotiable for larger walls).

• Selection: Assessed by a panel of Council officers and industry professionals against artist practice, demonstrated experience, and capacity to deliver in the public realm.

• Artist support: Paid concept development; fees commensurate with similar City of Launceston public art projects; on-site coordination during the Festival.

How to apply

Submit an EOI addressing the evaluation criteria (artist statement, experience/portfolio, and capacity to deliver public art), along with contact details and supporting documents.

Deadline: 3:00pm, Wednesday 1 October 2025

Email: contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au (Attn: Arts and Culture Team)

Enquiries: 03 6323 3000 | contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au

Further information is available on the Council's website www.launceston.tas.gov.au/Expression-of-Interest/Street-Art-Festival