Creating a mural
Street art and murals
Street art and murals are an important part of the unique culture of our city. They share community stories and turn everyday streets into iconic places. Murals can support wellbeing, encourage social connection, and help create welcoming neighbourhoods. On the practical side, murals are also a proven graffiti deterrent.
Why should you consider street art?
Painting or commissioning a mural in the City of Adelaide
If you want to paint or commission a mural within the City of Adelaide, we’ve created a quick reference guide below:
Info for artists
- Have you found a wall you’d like to paint?
- Inspect the wall to check it is structurally sound and safe to paint on.
- Approach the wall or building owner with your idea.
- If the business owner is open to a mural, show them a mock-up of your artwork. This will allow them to provide feedback and ensure you both agree on what you intend to create.
- Confirm property owner approval in writing before proceeding.
- Decide on install dates and any other details in advance and provide a summary in writing
- Let the neighbours know ahead of time (see FAQs below for more details).
Info for business and property owners
- Select an artist whose style you like
You may already know an artist whose work you like. Otherwise, consider reaching out to a local gallery or Guildhouse, South Australia's peak body for visual art, craft and design for suggestions. Many South Australian muralists have works for you to view on our Public Art map Art in Adelaide. - Get in touch
The artist may have a portfolio and CV for more information on their previous projects. This will allow you to assess their experience delivering murals on a similar scale. Before you commission the artist, request a reference. This allows you to confirm their experience and understand how to best to work together. - Request a quote
Enquire about their availability, interest and a request a quote for the project.
Frequently asked questions
Costs vary depending on the size, detail, and location of the wall. The cost depends on the artist’s experience, detail and difficulty of delivering the artwork. Before the work begins, the artist should provide a quote inclusive of materials, project management, artist fee, site management and equipment hire.
Design usually takes a few weeks. Painting can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on scale and weather.
If the delivery of the mural involves the artist accessing public land to paint the mural (e.g. on a footpath) you must get a city works permit. For more information see: City works | City of Adelaide.
If the artist is painting the mural on private land, you need to consult the property owner to get written permission to carry out your mural.
Concept designs containing advertising need development approval. This includes using brand or company names or logos in your design. You can apply for development approval through PlanSA.
If the location or wall is heritage listed, you need development approval. This process is managed by PlanSA.
Most solid exterior walls are suitable. The artist will check the surface, condition, and access before confirming.
Yes. You can share ideas, themes, and give feedback. The artist will bring their creative expertise to the final artwork.
Access to a water source and bathroom facilities is a great start. A place to store paints overnight and a bit of shade or a sheltered place to take a break is also important.
The artist retains copyright, while the wall owner has the right to display the mural. Usage rights are usually outlined in a simple agreement.
The artist will also keep moral rights over their work. These rights are non-transferrable. Moral Rights ensure the artist is acknowledged for their work and protects the artwork from being used or altered in ways they didn’t intend.
With the right paints and preparation, a mural can last many years, 10 – 15 years at least. But be aware outdoor murals may fade over time.
A notification of work for neighbours and neighbouring businesses is a good idea. This prevents the artist needing to answer practical questions while they are onsite. We recommend a letter, email or phone call notifying neighbours of the following:
- the project
- dates for delivery
- any impact the installation of the artwork will have on them
- any space or shared areas that need to be kept clear
Most murals are repairable. Discuss a maintenance plan with the artist as part of the commission. We encourage you to apply an anti-graffiti coating to your mural so the artwork can be easily cleaned.
Contact the artist 6 weeks before you remove the mural to notify them you intend to paint over their work. This is part of respecting the artists' moral rights.
Use a common-sense approach about artwork content. Public art may not contain overt nudity, profanity or racism. Propaganda advocating either war or hatred based on race, religion, language, sexuality, ability, or nation of origin will not be supported by the City of Adelaide.