Quirindi Silo Art wins Best of the Best

The ‘mural by day, light and sound show by night’ Quirindi Silo Art, on the NSW Liverpool Plains, has been named as the very best street art experience in Australia.

The Quirindi Silo Art and Light and Sound Show received the Gold Award for the Best Mega Mural at the 2023 Australian Street Art Awards and the Best Street Art Experience in NSW Award, both announced on Friday, March 8, 2024, before being crowned as the Best of the Best in Australia.

A project of the Rotary Club of Quirindi, NSW, the Quirindi Silo Art and Light and Sound Show is designed by lead artist Peter Ryan and brought to life at night with the aid of Illuminart.

The Quirindi Silo Art has set itself apart from other artistic giants. A picturesque town in northwest inland NSW, Quirindi has a distinct mural thanks to Peter’s highly stylised, vibrant elements that encase the front of the silos. Then, each night a 20-minute light and sound show with more of Peter’s art shares with visitors the story of the town. Visitors watch in awe as kangaroos bound, raindrops flow, sunflowers bloom and fireworks explode in a choreographed digital display.

Aimed at increasing tourism, invigorating local business, and giving the community pride in their Shire, the project has evolved over five years to achieve all three of these objectives.

The Australian Street Art Awards encourages Australians to explore the world-class street and public art that is freely accessible all year round and found in every corner of the country.

The judges congratulated the Quirindi Silo Art Committee and the Rotary Club of Quirindi for creating a mega mural with a distinct difference.

“We love the innovative stance taken to use funding to support more than just the painting of the silo. The illustrative vibrancy of the silo art, together with the changing nature of the light show, are great tools to drive longer stays and repeat visitation,” the judges said.

“If you were looking for an excuse to visit regional NSW, this is your sign,” said Premier of NSW, The Hon. Chris Minns MP. “Congrats to the artist Peter Ryan and the Quirindi community – the title is well deserved.”