Cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane have long been known for their vibrant murals, but more recently regional towns have been punching above their weight in the street art scene. As a lettering artist and muralist living in the regional town of Bendigo, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of this growing scene. I’ve seen murals become a vital, and sought after ingredient in the work of place making and culture building. Having lived in regional towns for the last 10 years, I can vouch for the welcoming and active creative communities that are often the heart and soul of regional towns. Being an active part of the community in Bendigo has helped me grow in my creative practice, and has provided many opportunities that may never have come in a big city. I’ve been able to leverage my obscure passion for lettering as a point of difference, and have painted 16 typographic murals (so far) for community projects and small businesses. Not only do these murals communicate meaningful messages in public spaces, but they have become a great tool to help the general public develop an appreciation for the beauty and craft of lettering. I’d love to share the stories of some of these projects, and to encourage other regional artists out there to be active in their communities.
Walls That Speak: The Role of Typographic Murals in a Regional Community Context
