From 2005 to 2023, Chalk the Walk brought streets across Australia to life with colour, imagination, and community spirit. Founded by Andi Mether, the festival became the nation’s leading celebration of street painting, connecting artists and audiences creating outdoor art galleries in public spaces.

Chalk The Walk began in Sydney in 2005, when Festival Director Andi Mether introduced the centuries old tradition of pavement art to Australian audiences.

From those first chalk strokes, when 40 artists came out of their studios and used Sydney’s iconic Pyrmont Bridge as their canvas, the event grew into a vibrant series of Chalk The Walk and Chalk Urban Art festivals and tours, expanding across the country capturing the attention of both local and international audiences.

It has been a pleasure to bring artists together, see their artistic careers develop over the years, and encourage people of all ages from all walks of life to take part in art.

Chalk the Walk was built by artists, volunteers, sponsors, and the public who embraced the spirit of creativity and community. Hundreds of artists created ephemeral masterpieces, while thousands gathered to witness streets transformed into open-air galleries.

Though the festival has now closed, its spirit lives on. Chalk the Walk proved that art can transform public spaces, celebrate imagination, and bring people together.

We thank everyone who contributed — from Andi Mether’s founding vision to the artists, event partners, and audiences who made it part of Australia’s cultural history.