Over the first weekend in March 2022, 35 urban artists transformed the built environment of Braddon, Civic and the National Triangle in Canberra. Presented by the ACT Government and curated by acclaimed graff artist PHIBS, Surface was a festival of urban art in the ACT that celebrates the raw energy and rich diversity of this scene. Artists encompassing street art, graffiti, portraits, stencils, Indigenous art, geometric and abstract art worked across 30 walls and structures.

The design was led by the branding of ACT Surface Festival which was created by Shanta Creative. The bold lines and bright colours you may recognise from the ACT’s state flag, a cheeky nod to the politics of the city.

The piece is a muralist’s tattoo flash sheet. Full of materials, equipment and visual representations of passion, challenge and beauty. It starts with a portal to transport you to where the artists want to take you. No mural would be complete without an endless supply of caffeine and the always looming threat of wet weather.