Global Vision and Creative Direction from Wonderwalls Founder

The Benalla Street Art Festival (BSAF) is set to transform the regional city into a vibrant open-air gallery once again, unveiling an eclectic lineup of renowned and emerging artists whose work reflects the boundless realm of contemporary street art.

From bold murals and intricate paste-ups to immersive installations and experiential works, this year’s program celebrates the expansive language of art and its power to connect communities, cultures and ideas.

new Creative Director Simon Grant

Guided by new Creative Director Simon Grant, owner and founder of Wonderwalls Street Art Festival — Australia’s largest and longest-running street art festival — the 2026 event signals an exciting evolution for Benalla’s internationally admired art trail.

Under Grant’s creative leadership, the festival presents a diverse cohort of artists spanning local talent, national leaders and internationally recognised creatives. Together, they will transform walls, laneways and public spaces into compelling works that invite reflection, conversation and discovery.

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

a nationally recognised celebration of arts and culture

The festival’s vision extends beyond visual spectacle. Its aspiration is to evolve into a nationally recognised celebration of arts and culture — one that champions diversity, inclusivity and accessibility while fostering meaningful connections between artists and community.

Bess Nolan Cook – CEO Tourism North East, adds ‘This festival is a beacon for cultural tourism in regional Victoria. It showcases Benalla as a hub of creativity and invites visitors from across the country to experience its unique charm’

Benalla’s ever-growing outdoor gallery

The result is a celebration of artistic diversity that transcends borders, bringing together creatives from across the globe and the local landscape to contribute to Benalla’s ever-growing outdoor gallery.

“Our vision is to create an experience that is inclusive, accessible and inspiring — one that invites both locals and visitors to engage with art in unexpected ways and see the city through a new lens.” Grand added.

Visitors are invited to explore the artworks, meet the artists and experience the city through a new creative lens, reinforcing Benalla’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading regional destinations for public art.

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