Lanescape’s annual festival, with this year’s theme “FLOW,” brought a mesmerizing addition to the artistic landscape of Goondiwindi. Renowned Queensland artist Benjamin Werner, in collaboration with the vibrant LaneScape Festival Goondiwindi team, unveiled a mural on the corner of Herbert and Bowen Street, transforming the wall of Foodworks into a work of art that transcends mere paint on walls.
This masterpiece is a testament to the power of collaborative art, uniting the local community under the banner of creativity and shared expression. The mural was brought to life by a diverse group of individuals, including local artists, schoolchildren, seniors, and community groups . The entire community watched in awe as this living canvas, adorned with elements of local wildlife, took shape. From elegant egrets to native fish and turtles, each component weaves a unique local story into the mural’s vibrant fabric.
The mural was a collaborative effort between Benjamin Werner, Yannick Blattner, and assistant artist Meghan Paker-Webb, collectively known as ALL CITY WALLS. Their expertise, honed through collaborations with industry giants like Marvel, Disney, and the Gallery of Modern Art, ensured the mural’s success.
Officially unveiled at the 2023 Lanescape Festival, the mural serves as a focal point in the town’s evolving arts trail, exposing the building’s original architectural brick facade while dispersing bursts of light into the atmosphere. The Lanescape Festival, held on the second Friday night of October each year, celebrates the artworks created annually and has become a catalyst for community connectivity to arts and culture.
Lanescape Inc, founded in 2018, focuses on creating public artwork throughout Goondiwindi, and their art trail is now a significant asset to the town. Murals and sculptures by various artists adorn the town’s landscape, depicting the essence of Goondiwindi and its surroundings.
This community-driven initiative is supported by the Lanescape Festival, bringing together musicians, performers, stallholders, and food trucks on Bowen Lane to create an atmosphere where people can connect, appreciate art and culture, and find relief from everyday life in a rural community. This year’s festival featured Ben Werner’s mural, perfectly capturing the theme of “Flow” and the McIntyre River’s flora and fauna.
As Lanescape continues to evolve and grow, their masterplan is shaped by feedback from the local community, artists, and mentors. The organisation has been recognized for its positive impact, earning the Australia Day Award for Community Event of the Year in 2020. Lanescape and the Lanescape Festival play a vital role in supporting the mental health and well-being of Goondiwindi and its surrounding community.
