THE Australian silo art movement is about more than creating larger than life masterpieces that brighten up local landscapes - for many towns in the bush it's been a lifeline.
The beautiful installations have brought waves of tourism to regional towns since the movement began in Northam in Western Australia in 2015.
Regional towns are also embracing water tower and street art as a way to rebuild local economies and attract visitors from all walks of life who are keen to road trip Australia's biggest outdoor gallery.
Tamworth travel agent Chris Watson has also embraced the movement and said his company Chris Watson Travel has seen a large interest in silo and street art, and that interest is increasing.
"We like to make sure that we call our business 'a conscious traveller' so when we go to a town we like to spend and shop locally," he said.
"We're very much about putting money into those economies and we've seen a weekend in Mudgee through our company generate $45,000 in that town.
"We're hoping when we get out to some of these towns we can put in larger contributions as well that help the town, local businesses, moteliers right through to the fuel stations."
The company has just launched its NSW Silo Art Tour by coach which will take people through Merriwa, Gunnedah, Tamworth and Barraba.
It is about to launch its Victorian Silo Art Tour, a Southern NSW Silo Art Tour and a Queensland Silo Art Tour.
The tours are departing in October from Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle and Tamworth.
Mr Watson said with the coach stopping at Tamworth, Barraba and Gunnedah and visitors eating, shopping and staying at local hotels he hopes it will be a boost for the region.
"We're hoping to see a good amount of income from those tours not just to support our business but to support the whole region," he said.
"Our region thrives, everyone thrives."
Australia's national silo art promoter, the Australian Silo Art Trail, currently has 49 silos documented, and more than 100 water tower art destinations.
The murals are dotted across the New England, from the late poet Dorothea Mackellar at the Gunnedah Maize Mill Mural, to the 40 metre high water diviner in Barraba - the artworks have gained international
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Caitlin Reid
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Caitlin Reid is a journalist at the Northern Daily Leader, focussing on a range of topics including Tamworth Regional Council, education, property and entertainment. To get in touch, email caitlin.reid@austcommunitymedia.com.au
