Brisbane's Citywide Street Art Festival Returns in May with 50 New Large-Scale Murals

Brisbane's streets are about to look a whole lot brighter — and sport a lot more paint, feature giant murals aplenty and showcase a heap more art in general. The reason: the returning Brisbane Street Art Festival, which'll take over the city from Saturday, May 7–Sunday, May 22 for its sixth and largest physical event.

When it comes to splashing art across the streets, spraying some paint around and stencilling up a storm, this festival offers a firm reminder: no, Banksy isn't the only artist worth celebrating and never has been. Indeed, the street art scene has been thriving in Brisbane for years, which is why this fest even exists.

2022's BSAF will also feature international artists for the first time since 2019, helping put 50 new large-scale murals around the place — even if only temporarily. That includes Miss Birdy, Iñigo Sesma and Fivust, with the talent lineup spanning folks from the USA, Spain, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia and New Zealand. They'll be painting up a storm alongside Australian artists such as Sofles, Lisa King and Rachael Sarra.

Aleja Hine by @mellumae

Also on the list: everyone from 23rd Key, Bronik, Drapl and GERM to Gus Eagleton, Katherine Viney, MAUY and Yin Lu. Over the festival's 16-day run, their efforts will be complemented by a range of art events — including Scribble Slam, a Brisbane-themed photography exhibit and a big party at Felons Brewing Co — and workshops.

One place you'll want to head to is Northshore, where BSAF is taking over an entire warehouse and using it as its headquarters. Dubbed Superordinary Northshore, it'll host 12 mural activations, plus plenty of events — including the fest's opening party.

Yes, that means there'll be impressive large-scale artworks by the river — and at Howard Smith Wharves and South Bank as well. Also getting a new coat of paint: the Queen Street Mall, RNA Showgrounds and the Valley mall, and that's just a glimpse of the venue list.

Drapl and Treazy by Aimee Catt

BSAF is bringing Tools of the Trade, an exhibition from Hong Kong, our way as well. It steps through the history of street art and graffiti, but views it through the tools that artists use to create their work.

And if you're keen to learn a new skill, the aforementioned workshop lineup has doubled since last year, and now features everything from yarn bombing to tufting.

The 2022 Brisbane Street Art Festival runs from Saturday, May 7–Sunday, May 22. For more information, head to the event's website.

Top images: Cam Scale; Gus Eagleton and Jordache by Lincoln-Savage; Sheep Chen and Adnate by Joshua Taten.