Work will start on a major street art walk in Katoomba early next year after the public backed a crowdfunding campaign to make the project a reality.
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More than half the money raised for the Street Art Murals Australia (SAMA) project came from individuals making small donations from as little as $10. The campaign raised $19,450 when it closed last week - surpassing its $18,000 target.
"I think it's representative of changed community perceptions of street art," said SAMA co-ordinator Jarrod Wheatley.
"Gone are the days where people write it off as vandalism... That's reflected by the community of the Blue Mountains and Sydney really getting behind this idea and making it a reality. We feel really humbled and thankful for the support we've received."
The street art walk will transform Beverly Place in Katoomba into an open-air art gallery. The neglected alleyway has more than 3800 square metres of mural spaces, many three-storeys high.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre has joined forces with SAMA to curate the project which is expected to attract senior artists.
Supporters believe the scale of the project will draw new tourists to the Blue Mountains.
"Blue Mountains City Council recognises the important contribution of street art to our urban environments to achieve urban beautification, tourism, and social inclusion," said Blue Mountains mayor, Mark Greenhill.
"Urban attractions can offer an alternative attraction to the city during those times when nature-based attractions are not accessible. They also serve to complement the nature-based attractions.
"Attractions such as the planned mural precinct have the potential to encourage new visitors to the Blue Mountains and encourage visitors to stay longer, with economic benefits for the retail and tourism sector."
