Entertainment
2 August, 2025
Colour lights up blank walls
CAIRNS’ Bank Lane will burst to life with colour, music and street-level magic later this month as Swish!, a two-night celebration, launches the 2025 Cairns Festival.
Running Thursday and Friday, August 28 and 29, Swish! will unveil a series of vibrant new murals created by a team of 12 artists, including renowned Melbourne creatives Katira and LucyLucy and local artist Naomi Evans.
The artworks are being painted throughout July and August and are part of a broader placemaking initiative to revitalise the CBD’s laneways.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the project was another exciting step in bringing life back to the city centre.
“Projects like this don’t just make our city look great, they encourage people to explore, support local businesses and share their experiences,” she said.
“It brightens overlooked spaces, sparks conversations and helps people feel more connected to their community.”
The mural component of Swish! is being delivered in stages, culminating in the two-night launch event featuring live DJs, musicians, and pop-up bars and food stalls from MexiCairns, Three Wolves and Coral Sea Brewing Co.
Curator Diljá Thorpe said Swish! was about injecting joy into public space.
“We all need more joy and more colour in our lives. Swish! is about uplifting the community through inspiring art and activating overlooked spaces,” she said.
“This project will leave a lasting legacy beyond Cairns Festival by creating a hub for art, food and community in the heart of the city.”
For local artist Naomi Evans, the experience has helped her push creative boundaries and reconnect with her cultural roots. “Being mentored by two leading mural artists like Katira and LucyLucy on a project of this scale is a truly enriching experience,” she said.
Swish! Is a free-entry event presented by Brother Jenkins in collaboration with local venues Mexicairns, Three Wolves and Coral Sea Brewing Co.
