Five local artists have been selected to help transform the heart of the city centre through City of Darwin’s Smith Street Streetscape project.

After a competitive expression of interest process, five talented artists have been selected by an independent panel. The artists selected are Denise Quall, Minna Leunig, Lee Harrop, Amina McConvell and Katy Moir. 

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said he was thrilled with the quality of artists selected.

“We know creativity makes this city a better place; it impacts tourism and economic development and contributes to Darwin being a vibrant and creative capital city,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“We recently released our Creative Strategy 2024-2030 which supports and promotes Darwin’s vibrant creative sector, and I’m thrilled to see these local artists set to have their work featured in Smith Street.

“The Smith Street Streetscape project will create a cooler, greener and more dynamic hub with an enhanced pedestrian experience.

“The theme for the public art was Interconnection and I’m looking forward to seeing each individual idea come to life throughout the street,” he said.

The artists and work that will be featured include:

• Hermit Hustle - road mural (Smith Street and Searcy Street intersection), created by Denise Quall - Denise Quall is a Larrakia woman who has lived in Darwin her entire life. Her dreaming is the Danagalaba - the saltwater crocodile and her totem is Nagandji Nagandji, the Brahminy Kite - Sea Eagle. Hermit Hustle highlights the importance of community cooperation and features a playful and imaginative scene of hermit crabs crossing the street, offering a fresh perspective on the everyday hustle and bustle of life. 
• Foundation Stone - mobility hub installation (Smith Street and Edmunds Street intersection), created by Lee Harrop – Lee Harrop is an ecologically-oriented artist who was awarded a PhD at Charles Darwin University and has a Master of Fine Arts. Foundation Stone draws attention to the geological material used in its creation, Mt Bundey granite, exploited in the construction of Darwin City roads, footpaths, building facades, flooring and furnishings.
• Rest. Stop.- seating nodes (at various locations down Smith Street), created by Amina McConvell and Katy Moir – Amina McConvell and Katy Moir’s collaboration is based on their intersecting visual arts practices and shared aesthetics. Katy has an architectural background, and Amina has a fine arts background. Both artists work with the language of abstraction and geometric conceptualism. In this work Amina and Katy have fused the functionality of street furniture objects into a sculptural installation. Their artwork uses geometric shapes and patterns to create colourful passages and places of connection for pedestrians. 
• Humidity Rising - road mural (Smith Street and Edmunds Street intersection), created by Minna Leunig - Minna Leung is a visual artist living and working on the traditional lands of the Larrakia people in Darwin. Painting both on canvas and large-scale public murals, Minna creates wild and playful images inspired by the unique beauty of native Australian landscapes. Humidity Rising is a playful depiction of Larrakia country and a celebration of the unique and diverse Australian ecosystems.

The EOI’s were selected by an independent assessment panel, consisting of six members with creative expertise, including:

• MAGNT Senior Curator, Bryony Nainby
• Outstation Gallery Director, Matt Ward
• Charles Darwin University Visual Arts Lecturer, Sarah Pirrie
• Garuwa Creative Director and Co-Creator, Genevieve Grieves
• Independent Artist and outgoing Chair of City of Darwin’s Arts and Cultural Development Advisory Committee, CJ Fraser-Bell

The Smith Street Streetscape project is a further commitment towards City of Darwin and the NT Government’s common vision for Darwin’s future as a liveable and tropical capital city.

Construction is anticipated to commence soon with works expected to be completed by the end of July 2025. 

For more information, visit engage.darwin.nt.gov.au/shape-smith-street

Quotes attributable to Senior Curator of Art, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Bryony Nainby:

“Street art captivates and connects with audiences like few other artforms, and it was a wonderful experience to help select artists for the Smith Street Streetscape project. 

“These vibrant, dynamic artworks will infuse Smith Street with energy, creativity and a sense of wonder - turning ordinary pedestrian moments into extraordinary encounters filled with colour and surprise.”