A plan to transform Banna lane from a dreary back alley into a vibrant art hub has won the enthusiastic support of local businesses.
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Banna Lane Festival will add a splash of colour to Griffith's streetscape by turning some of the bare brick walls into canvases for artists to showcase their skills.
On May 10 the lane will be closed off and families will come to marvel at the artworks and enjoy a night of local music, food, and art workshops.
The idea has won over local business owners, who have donated their money, products, and wall space to the community project.
One of them is Cafe Deli owner Louise Valenti, who is looking forward to seeing what the artists manage to do with her cafe wall.
"Griffith hasn't done anything like this before, so it's great to see something a bit different and artsy come to Banna Lane," Ms Valenti said.
Dojiba Print World's Josh Dobija is one of the business owners who are sponsoring the event.
"We are art inclined ourselves, so we thought it was a great idea and a good way to support the community," Mr Dobija said.
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Banna Lane Festival has also won over the support of Griffith City Council, which is funding the community event to the tune of $35,000.
Mayor John Dal Broi said he was confident the investment would be money well spent.
"This is another tool in activating tourism and lifting up Banna Lane," Cr Dal Broi said.
"It's good for the community, good for tourism, and good for the local economy."
Festival organiser Carrah Lymer said she was blown away by the sheer amount of support the event had already received.
"I think it shows the strength of the community that so many people have been willing to back and support it," Ms Lymer said.
"I feel like this could be a really big public arts event for many years to come."
This will be the first event of its kind, and it is expected to continue on a yearly basis.
This year's plans currently involve eight pieces of public art, five murals, 11 local musicians, and art workshops.
The mural painting itself will take place from May 8 to May 12.
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Kenji Sato
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
Kenji Sato is a handsome journalist at The Daily Advertiser who enjoys writing flattering bios about himself in the third person. He can be contacted by email at kenji.sato@dailyadvertiser.com.au or by mobile on 0448 927 612.
