The Walk the Walls street art festival, which transformed a run-down part of Caringbah and attracted thousands of visitors, is to be repeated at Cronulla.
Graffiti vandalised areas in Surf Lane, Cronulla Street and Purley Place will be given spectacular makeovers during a three-day event later this year.
The festival, costing $100,000 and featuring local, Indigenous and national artists, will include live music and food stalls.
The state government will provide a $75,000 grant from the Safer Community Compact program, which invests up to $1.35 million every year in grass-roots projects to reduce crime across NSW.
Sutherland Shire Council will contribute $25,000, and organise the event.
Attorney General and Cronulla MP Mark Speakman said the joint project would “build on the success of the Walk the Walls festival in Caringbah, which reduced crime in a CBD that was scarred by vandalism”.
“Last year 34 artists decorated 23 walls during the Caringbah festival and the results have been incredible with graffiti plummeting in the area and all murals still intact,” he said.
“The Cronulla project will be Walk the Walls – Part Two.
“The event will be a drawcard for thousands of visitors and residents as local, Indigenous and national artists paint large scale murals in the suburb’s CBD and rail corridors.
“Artworks will be protected by anti-graffiti coatings.
“Young people at risk of engaging in vandalism will be given an opportunity to learn from professional artists about lawfully expressing creativity.”
Mr Speakman said the event would deliver a boost to the local economy and have long-term benefits for the community.
“Cronulla’s CBD is Sutherland Shire’s premier entertainment precinct at night and beautifying its streets will make it safer and more appealing to visitors,” he said.
Mayor Carmelo Pesce said the festival would be conducted in partnership with the council, local businesses, community organisations and young people.
“I’m thrilled that the NSW Government has recognised the success of past projects and is again making a strong commitment to crime prevention in our area,” Cr Pesce said.
“Cronulla is Sutherland Shire’s entertainment hub and, by partnering with the state government, we’ll be able to beautify another one of our suburbs just as we did through Caringbah Walk The Walls.
“This will bring even more business to the local economy and tackle graffiti vandalism.”
Dates for Cronulla’s Walk the Walls festival are yet to be finalised.