Arabic version: محرّكات لايتنينغ ريدج تتحول إلى معرض مفتوح لفن الشارع

According to ABC News, Lightning Ridge artist John Murray is funding a street-art project that turns discarded opal-mining agitators into canvases for artists from across Australia.

The retired drum mixers were once used to sift soil in the search for opals and are now scattered around the remote north-west NSW town, often scrapped or left rusting in paddocks. Murray said the equipment was donated to the project, which is intended to promote street art and bring artists to Lightning Ridge.

Six of a planned 20 agitators have been painted by Manda Lane, Joanne Travis (N2O), James Wilson, Lukas Kasper, Oli Ruskid, Murray and his wife, fellow artist Viki. Artists are given no brief or committee sign-off, allowing them to create free-form work. Murray said he also aims for a 50/50 split of women and men among participating artists.

Murray and Viki have self-funded the project, with the final cost estimated at about $150,000. Visiting artists receive about four nights of accommodation, meals, $500 towards fuel, and some materials including base coat and finish.

When complete, Murray hopes to arrange the painted drums as an open-air gallery in the Three Mile opal field beside the Opal Miners Hall of Fame. Visitors would be able to scan QR codes on each agitator to learn about its donor and the artist behind the work.