Wagga City Council’s cultural officer Tracie Miller said she and her team were looking for two artists to create colourful murals. 

“We’re commissioning an artist for our Lost Lanes project, which will be three murals on Cadell Place behind Knights Meats, the Thirsty Crow, and the building in between them,” Ms Miller said.

“Our second project goes with the new recycling initiative – we’re looking for an artist to to create a vibrant and fun design for a recycling trailer that community groups can use to collect bottles and cans and take them to Return and Earn points.” 

Ms Miller said murals like these could go a long way in creating an brighter mood around the city. 

“These artworks can add another interesting layer to the city, so instead of having plain walls we’re able to see some vibrant splashes of colour,” she said. 

While vibrant colours would no doubt perk the city up, Eastern Riverina Arts’ (ERA) executive director Scott Howie said projects like these offered something even more important to Wagga: a chance for the city’s artists to develop their skills.

“Too often, people think that artists should work for free, or they don't recognise the level of training or preparation or thinking that goes behind developing an artwork,” Mr Howie said.

“It's important that communities have people who are able to contribute to the cultural life of a city – it’s those little things that give our city personality and make it more vibrant.” 

Mr Howie invited any artists considering applying for these commissions to contact ERA for support.