08 Apr 2017 Border Mail, Albury-Wodonga (General News) by Jodie Bruton A RECORD 27 international and local street artists are plying their trade at Benalla this weekend. The third annual Wall to Wall festival, which was officially opened on Friday, continues to transform the town on Saturday and Sunday. Wall to Walls legacy of large-scale murals already cover 28 buildings around Benalla. Wall to Wall artistic director Shaun Hossack, formerly of Benalla, said the program had evolved over three years. This years program, which partners with the Benalla Art Gallery, one of Australias most respected regional art galleries, shows just how far the Wall to Wall festival has come, he said. Whether youre a staunch enthusiast or just plain curious about this ever-evolving art form, Wall to Wall is your chance to skill up, take in new work, and get up-close and personal with some of Australian street arts biggest names. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, officially opened Wall to Wall 2017. Ms Symes said it was Victorias first regional street art festival, which generated excitement not only at Benalla but around the world. The state government provided $75,000 towards the event. The Benalla Wall to Wall Festival is a great example of how the creative industries can make an important contribution to country communities, socially, economically and culturally, she said. Just as infrastructure and investment are critical to ensure thriving community towns, so too are culture, experiences and the coming together of a community to celebrate all that is great about it Benalla has certainly found its creative niche. Backed by Creative Victoria, Festivals Australia and Benalla Council, Wall to Wall features a career survey of Australian street artists, Adnate and Rone, at the Benalla Art Gallery, Wall to Wall workshop series, twilight painting program and street art tours with Melbourne street art tour guide, David Russell. The Paint by Numbers community mural returns again in 2017. The Adnate and Rone exhibition traces their history from rebellious beginnings on the streets of Melbourne to international acclaim from Europe to the US. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.