Parramatta’s streets could soon be brighter and bolder as local artists and businesses are invited to transform walls, facades and public spaces through a new Council initiative.
The City of Parramatta has launched Vibrant Parramatta, a program offering funding for wall-art murals, decorative lighting, and heritage building restorations. The aim is to boost the city’s appeal and reflect its cultural mix through art and design.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the program would help position Parramatta as an arts destination. “Vibrant Parramatta is about elevating our City and local neighbourhoods with vibrant, bold and inspirational art murals, creative lighting and façade restorations that reflects our rich heritage and diverse community spirit,” he said.
Cr Zaiter said the city’s diversity was its strength. “Parramatta is a melting pot of cultures, it’s what makes our City so attractive to visitors from near and far, from family-run businesses to local hidden gems—we want people to experience the unique stories of our community through art and culture no matter where they are travelling from.”
Council will invest up to $40,000 in medium to large-scale wall-art murals, $20,000 in decorative lighting projects, $20,000 in façade improvements, and $20,000 for preserving or restoring heritage buildings.
The benefits of public art are already visible in places like Rydalmere, where the family-owned Rydalmere Bakery and Café features a striking mural by artist Claire Foxton. Owner Jacinta Nader said the artwork had become a local landmark. “The mural is so vibrant and eye-catching that people often walk in just to ask about it—who the artist is, how it came to be, and to admire the colours up close. We’ve even had people spot it from the bridge and take a detour just to see what’s down here,” she said.
Ms Nader said the mural had drawn new customers and boosted local pride. “It’s helped build our clientele, turning first-time visitors into loyal customers and even more importantly, the mural has sparked a sense of pride in Rydalmere. It’s a reflection of the vibrant, growing community we’re proud to be a part of.”
For artist Christina Huynh, known as STYNA, the program is a chance to share places that matter to locals. She created the ‘Lake Parra’ mural for Parramatta Lanes in 2023, drawing on her own history in the area. “Working alongside Reubszz and Sam Absurd for our murals in Phillip Lane was an enjoyable and memorable experience, especially since I have lived, studied and work in the area,” she said.
“I love to share work that is close to me, which is why I chose to feature Lake Parramatta in the mural, it’s a hidden gem in the middle of a thriving city and teeming with robust native flora and curious fauna like the superb Fairy Wren pictured in the mural. My family and I have shared so many special memories over the years however bushwalking is one of my favourite things to do here so in my mural, I wanted to highlight the importance of reconnecting with nature when life gets busy and overwhelming.”
STYNA is now working on a new picture book from her studio at the Western Sydney Start-up Hub in North Parramatta.
Applications for Vibrant Parramatta close at 12pm on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
To apply or for more information, visit Council’s website.
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