New murals in Katoomba provide opportunities for local artists

Blue Mountains City Council invites local artists and creative teams to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for two large-scale murals in Katoomba as part of the SAFE TO BE: In Our Community program.

SAFE TO BE: In Our Community is Council’s grant-funded program of free activities to foster inclusive, safe and connected communities. It includes high school events, bystander intervention training, Writers' Festival events and public art projects.

One mural will celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride and consider safety, pride and inclusion for gender and sexually diverse communities. The other will capture the theme Women’s Safety in Public and explore ideas around safe streets, public spaces and communities that are safe for women. Artists may propose designs for one or both murals.

This exciting public art opportunity will be commissioned in College Lane, Katoomba, on the wall of the Blue Mountains Food Co-Op building. The works will be highly visible to pedestrians moving between Katoomba Street and Coles and other Katoomba Village shops, Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, Katoomba Library and to those walking up College Lane from Pryor Place.

Mayor Mark Greenhill said, “These murals are about celebrating allyship and inclusion through public art and are an excellent opportunity to showcase our talented local creatives.

“We want murals that reflect our community’s values of the importance of belonging and safety.”

EOIs are open to individual artists or teams with a current ABN. Preference will be given to artists with a demonstrated connection to the Blue Mountains area.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel including Council staff, members of the City Art Committee, and representatives from community groups.

EOI submissions close Sunday 21 December 2025.

SAFE TO BE: In Our Community is funded through the NSW Government’s Social Cohesion Grants for Local Government.

For more information about the SAFE TO BE: In Our Community program, or regarding the mural themes, assessment criteria and funding, please visit bmcc.nsw.gov.au/safe-to-be