The Bute ‘beaut’ Silo Art has won big at the annual Australian Street Art Awards, receiving Gold for Best Rural Art and Silver for Best Mega Mural.
Developed in collaboration by Barunga West Council and the Bute community, 145km north of Adelaide, the silo art project has been a 10-year journey, which has finally come to fruition, attracting visitors and receiving national recognition.
This stunning artwork, located at the Top of the Yorke in South Australia, showcases the region's beauty and creativity.
The Bute Silo Art project was completed in April 2022 by artists Scott Nagy and Janne Birkner, with a concept based on representing women in regional areas. The theme requested by the community - bright colours and local agriculture, flora and fauna - was masterfully executed by the artists and includes a rooster, sheep, Rainbow Bee-eaters, Superb Fairy Wren, and the Hummocks in the background.
"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," said Liz Rivers, Awards Director of the Australian Street Art Awards. The winners were announced at a ceremony on 10 February 2023.
Barunga West Council Mayor Leonie Kerley said: "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. This project has been 10 years in the making and is a true representation of the Yorke Peninsula community's vision and values."
The rigorous judging process, which was completed by tourism leaders, along with second-tier auditing and due diligence, has provided the Bute Silo Art with credibility within the national tourism sector. The judges commented that this year's entries were of a very high calibre, and the nominees demonstrated their commitment to improving their community through creative projects. The Australian Street Art Awards, established in 2018, recognise destinations that use public art to attract visitors, boost the economy, and engage the community.