Meet Joel Van Moore, aka curator, Big Picture Fest 2023

Now in its 6th year, Frankston's legendary Street Art Festival is back.

March 20-26, The Big Picture Fest takes over the city streets and laneways, leaving an incredible colourful footprint on the city of Frankston. Celebrating this special event, we asked Joel some questions in the lead up to next week.

Celebrating 6 incredible years at Frankston, the festival’s come a long way in that time. What are you looking forward to most for this year’s Big Picture Fest?

This year feels like such an achievement with a critical mass of walls achieved, which has ongoing effect in the community. The goal personally was to inspire youth and the community as a whole and create a brighter outlook to anyone who visits Frankston.

It’s time to celebrate and move into the next chapter of the festival with digital projections by world famous Filip Roca, night walks and the augmented reality works on year round display. We are also including a gallery exhibition and other technologies that enhance the experience of The Big Picture Fest 2023.

How did your journey with the Big Picture Fest begin?

I had been part of Festivals all around the world and started out with Wonderwalls Port Adelaide, which I was working on back in 2013. I wanted to set a new standard with art festivals and start a new brand for Frankston in 2018. Now The Big Picture Fest has grown with more than 12 Festivals around Australia including curation for other major festivals. The next chapter incorporates the use of technology, lighting and other available means to build on the night economy and bring a number of skill sets into focus, allowing a wider input from locals. The Block Party activates Frankston’s alleyways and lanes, featuring the murals, live music and food & drink.

Tell us about some of the artists that will feature for this year’s event?

We always strive to bring the very highest standard available in Australia and OS, while elevating all the local talents. Globally renowned artists will once again be painting Frankston with the return of SMUG who will be leaving us with an amazing piece to replace the beautiful work of his that we are losing soon due to local development. Sofles and internationally renowned artist Katherine Gailer join the line up, alongside a stellar local showing from the Frankston area and beyond. Many of the artists speak for themselves with established careers for over 2 decades. This diverse group will bring our walls to life and create even more vibrancy in the streets for all to enjoy.

For people who haven’t been to the Big Picture Fest before, what may surprise them about it?

The sheer volume and scale of artworks in the CBD. We have many of the top street artists/ graffiti writers from around the world with featured works all within walking distance of the central hubs.

With every turn you are likely to be confronted with a multi-story work of excellence.

What do you think street art ‘gives’ to a city?

Many, many things. We provide the story, memories and vibrancy to the street scape. Its uplifting to the city and that is obvious when you look back 6 years ago with only a limited amount of major walls painted.

You have the pretty cool creative balance of not only being a street artist yourself but also the curator of events like the Big Picture Festival. What do you love about working with other artists in this role?

I love to learn and absorb new meaning from the artists. Generally, I love being on the painting end, but increasingly love being a support network and facilitator in this space. I’ve been painting non-stop for over 30 years and it does take its toll in a physical sense, so for me I can still be a part of the bigger picture in many forms and leave a legacy of inspiration in Australia.

The line-up for this year is looking fantastic. Who are you looking forward to seeing create?

To be honest I am excited about every single artist on the roster. The diverse styles and backgrounds has got me very excited.

What do you love about Frankston as a destination for the Big Picture Fest?

For years prior to pitching the Festival I have viewed Frankston as an incredible canvas with endless possibilities. There is so much to offer, so I wanted to sprinkle some extra magic on the surroundings and help bring colour to people's lives daily.

The Big Picture Fest is taking place, March 20-26.

If you want to discover more, including details on the artists, Friday night Block Party or FREE street art tours, head to https://www.discoverfrankston.com/events/the-big-picture-fest