Two silo art installations have been awarded gold medals at the 2023 Australian Street Art Awards.

The Bute ‘beaut’ Silo Art at the top of the Yorke Peninsula won Best Rural Art at the national awards.

The Bute Silo Art was developed by the Barunga West Council and the Bute community and painted by artists Scott Nagy and Janne Birkner from the Juddy Roller street art network in April 2022.

Barunga West Council Mayor Leonie Kerley said the design for the silos was decided based on community feedback from a council survey in August 2021. It tells the story of women in regional areas while incorporating local symbols such as a sheep and a rooster – which is the mascot for the Bute football, netball, basketball, cricket and tennis clubs.

“We are thrilled that the silo art project has received national recognition as the best in the country and hope it will entice even more visitors to explore all the Top of the Yorke has to offer,” Kerley said.

“This project has been 10 years in the making and is a true representation of the Yorke Peninsula community’s vision and values.”

Liz Rivers, Awards Director of the Australian Street Art Awards said “the Bute silo art project is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Bute 2000 Onwards Progress Association and the Barunga West Council. Their efforts have not only helped to attract visitors to the Top of the Yorke but have also enhanced the region’s reputation as an aspirational destination for art lovers.”

Bute was pipped for top spot in the Best Mega Mural by the Quorn Silo Light Show.

Flinders Ranges Council Mayor Ken Anderson said that winning the national award recognises the commitment everyone has put into supporting the project.

“The Quorn Silo Light Show achieved silver in the 2020 Australian Street Arts Award so it is fantastic to have it achieve Gold in 2022 as it recognises the collaborative elements of the project and the major tourism attraction that it has become,” Anderson said.

He said the council works closely with the community and curators illuminart to update the content and showcase events around the region.

“The nature of the projection allows us to review, change and update content so that it keeps it relevant to what is happening in the town and surrounding areas and also allows more flexibility in what can be projected,” Anderson said.

Screening each evening the silo projection brings the town and street to life and is a free event and educational experience that draws tourists and encourages them to stay that bit longer.

“We have regular reports of people that have travelled here just to see the nightly silo show which means that they stay in our town and area longer and that benefits all of the businesses and community,” Anderson said.

Words & image: Chelsea Lancione