Your go to guide - Big Picture Fest 2023

Frankston’s legendary street art festival, the Big Picture Fest is back!

Held March 20 - 26, ten internationally renowned artists will be taking over the city streets and laneways for this street art celebration filled with live bands, street art tours, live street art painting, night walks, digital projections and street performances.

Want to know what’s happening?  Here’s your go to guide to help you dive right in.  

Street Artists painting live around Frankston

From Monday March 20 to Sunday March 26, ten incredible street artists will be paining their murals across Frankston. 

The artists that are taking part in this year’s Big Picture Fest are coming from all parts of the country and globe. They’ve either been invited to come, or they’ve expressed a desire to be part of the city’s street art scene.

Here are some artists to look out for when you’re exploring the city:

Smug One Many are excited at the return of this street art superstar. Many city regulars would know Smug’s iconic Frankston piece, the large scale skeleton and bird, that’s become part of Park Lane. Smug will be painting in Thompsons Lane. 

Hard Thirteen rose to prominence in the graffiti scene for his use of bright colours and intricate patterns to create bold and daring pieces. His works inspire other graffiti artists in Indonesia and continue to captivate audiences with their energy and creativity.

Katherine Gailer explores cultural identity, the natural environment, women’s empowerment, magical realism, and contemporary design through her large-scale murals. Her work challenges social structures and reclaims the space for diverse cultural expression and women at the forefront of social change.

María Peña’s art takes a strong influence from sub-realism and magical realism ideas, as well as reference from visual and cultural theory. Maria draws her inspiration from people, emotions and nature with the intention to evoke hope.

You can find the map of all artists and their mural locations here

Gallery Takeover and Artist Welcome Event

If you're a street art lover, this is the Big Picture Fest gallery takeover you don't want to miss!

Discover some of The Big Picture Fest artist’s, past and present, retrospective studio work, seeing that their creative skills are not limited to just the outside walls.

PLUS the exhibition opening will pair with The Big Picture Fest welcome event.

Be there for the unveiling of this incredible exhibition, meet the artists that are part of this year's festival, see DJ Obliveus on the decks, and there will be the opportunity to purchase artworks and merchandise.

Tuesday 21 March, 6 – 8pm, Cube 37 Gallery

FREE to attend but registrations essential: www.fac.com.au 

If you miss opening night, don’t stress, the exhibition will run until Saturday April 1, 2023

The Block Party – the ultimate Laneway celebration

This free event is a fun celebration of street art along one of Frankston’s iconic laneways with bands, street performances, live street art painting, food trucks and local alcohol vendors. Live performances by Teenage Dads, Zoe Fox and the Rocket Clocks and Muma Ganoush and street performance by The Snuff Puppets.

Entry is free, the vibe is chilled.

Friday March 24, 4.30 – 10pm, Thompsons Lane

Night Walk – For one night only!  

Starting at the corner of Gallery Lane and Station Street, see artists at work as you make your way down Gallery Lane, Park Row and Thompsons Lane.  Then when the sun sets, the lights turn on as you walk the laneways towards an incredible night time projection by Filip Roca in Park Lane. This projection is a first for Victoria with its only other display being at Illuminate Adelaide!   (Warning. Strobe effects)

Friday March 24, dusk to 10pm. Click here for the Night Walk Map

Street Art Walking Tours – the best way to see the murals

Here’s your chance to experience Australia's BEST Street Art Tour for FREE during the Big Picture Fest!

If you’re keen to do one of the festival’s tours, get onto them quickly as they often book out! These 90 minute tours are a chance to let the experts show you around. You will get to see first hand how the artworks are created, gain an insight into the stories behind the artistic inspirations, and you may even get to have a chat to an artist or capture a memorable photo.  

Tours run Friday March 24 - Sunday March 26.  Bookings here .

The Big Picture Fest will be colouring the streets of Frankston from March 20-26. To discover more about the artists, Block Party and tours, click here 

Don't forget to share your street art experience with us @discoverfrankston @thebigpicturefest #discoverfrankston #thebigpicturefest