Mount Gambier’s hidden laneways look set to become blank canvasses for the region’s creatives as part of a new street art festival. A group of local artists have banded together to stage Lava Lanes, tentatively planned for late 2021 or early 2022.

The artists include April Hague, Charlene Riley, Pariya Ziakas, Ruth Stephenson, Jennie Matthews, Jeremy Ievins, Aileen Costales-Clarke, Justin Clarke and Ben Hood. Spokesman Ben Hood originally floated the idea to the group back in early 2020 but the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to it.

“The idea was to give our amazing local artists opportunities to put up their work and create an ongoing outdoor gallery for the whole community,” he said.

“Street art and murals are really gaining traction in the city with great support from the City of Mount Gambier and the public,” Mr Hood said. “Reports show that street art and a strong creative culture in cities can bring significant economic and tourism dollars into those cities who invest in these things.

“The benefits for the local community are well known too with the art beautifying our streets and CBD precinct and instilling a sense of pride in the community.”

Mr Hood said the festival’s aim was to be able to run an annual event and over the years build up a large “outdoor gallery” throughout the city for locals and visitors to enjoy. “The festival is in the planning stages with some in-principal support for some big walls within the CBD and will run under the name Lava Lanes – Mount Gambier Street Art Festival,” he said.

“Lava Lanes is a hat tip to our volcanic history of the city. “The group is preparing a sponsorship prospectus and will seek funding to get the event off the ground and onto the walls of Mount Gambier. “The hope is to hold the event around late 2021 or early 2022 with

the artists putting their pieces up over a week and then throwing a launch party with creative activities for kids and adults alike, live music and street food.”

Mr Hood said the group was hoping to leverage other opportunities from the artworks, including incorporating augmented reality features within the creations, which viewers could use their smart devices to add another dimension to the artworks they visit.

People can visit Lava Lanes Mount Gambier Street Art Festival on Facebook to keep up to date with the event planning and sponsors are being invited to contact Mr Hood on 0439 800 694 if they would like to be involved.

For more information, check out: https://www.facebook.com/lavalanesmountgambier/posts/109378707816080