Port Adelaide’s Wonderwalls graffiti festival next month to draw international artists

A graffiti festival that began in Port Adelaide four years ago will become even bigger next month as it draws five international artists from New Zealand, Germany, Russia and Italy.

Wonderwalls Festival chief Joel van Moore with one of his favourite murals in the district. He hopes to involve more artists in his celebration of street art and graffiti. Picture: AAP/KERYN STEVENS

When Joel van Moore held his first Wonderwalls Festival in Port Adelaide four years ago, he could not have predicted how big it would become.

When the street art and graffiti festival last rolled into town one April weekend two years ago, businesses in the Port reported doing their best ever trade on the Saturday.

And then they doubled it on the Sunday.

Now van Moore — who goes by the professional name of Vans the Omega — is putting out a call for local Port artists to join his public art phenomenon.

The festival, which will be held next month, will this time feature five international artists from New Zealand, Germany, Russia and Italy as well as five or six South Australian artists and at least three Port Adelaide locals.

They will decorate walls on Quebec St, St Vincent St, McLaren Parade and the hoarding next to the lighthouse.

Van Moore is anticipating this year’s iteration will be bigger than ever.

“When the public comes out for a laneway party on Friday night, they will be able to walk around and see a lot of the artwork with good progress,” van Moore says.

“Then on Saturday, we have a Day on the Cans over at Pirate Life, which is affiliated with the festival, and that’ll have artworks and bands. On Sunday, we’ll invite people to come out and roam the streets and watch the artists finish up their works. There will be walking tours and photography classes and generally a really creative atmosphere.”

Businesses, of course, have to agree to their walls being used for the murals — but van Moore says some of those who were most apprehensive to begin with are now the biggest supporters.

“It attracts people to their businesses and lets people gain awareness of contemporary artwork,” he says.

“It’s a change of vista and a change of spirit and mood when they see vibrant, colourful artwork adorning the Port.”

Wonderwalls Festival will be held from Friday, March 29 to Sunday, March 21.

Interested artists can find an expression of interest form at the Wonderwalls Port Adelaide Facebook page.