Silo art project launched in Kapunda
Many South Australian towns have discovered the benefit of being a stop on a silo art trail, and now Kapunda residents aim to get their town on the map with a silo art project in the middle of town.
The Kapunda mural committee leader Danny Menzel said he wants to unveil the mural in September 2025 when the region hosts the Small Town Reinvention Conference.
Menzel has approached Australian-born, Glasgow-based artist, Sam ‘Smug’ Bates from the Juddy Roller network to paint the massive project.
Smug has previously done silo murals in both Lameroo and Wirrabara, but his expertise does not come cheaply and will cost an estimated $120,000.
While concern over the cost of commissioning an international artist has been voiced, even as an artist himself, Menzel said that while they would like to use a local artist, “considering the execution and skill that’s involved in the project, I’d rather have someone who is much more experienced and has a better chance at doing a really good job”.
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Menzel is confident that the project will provide a significant boost to local economy because it will give “people a reason to come and stay in Kapunda”.
He estimates a potential $217,000 added to regional economic output during the creation phase as well as the ongoing benefits of increased tourism.
To meet the tight turnaround and need for funds, the committee has launched a Go Fund Me page, knowing that council or other grants will take too long to process.
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With the upcoming Small Town Reinvention Conference theme being “Prosperity through Connection, Collaboration, and Community”, Menzel is keen to involve the community in the design process.
“We are trying to get as much input from the community as possible, so everyone gets a say and can contribute,” he said.
An upcoming focus group which will include 20 people from diverse groups including members of the Ngadjuri First Nations community as well as local youth groups and a historical society.
A mock-up by artist Danny Menzel of what the silos could look like. Image: supplied
Located an hour north of Adelaide, Kapunda was South Australia’s first mining town in 1842.
Menzel said mining has therefore proven a popular theme for the proposed design among residents.
Other themes presented within the committee have involved pastoralist Sir Sydney Kidman (aka “the Cattle King”), references to Kapunda’s renowned 24-Hour Motorbike Trial and acknowledgements of the area’s traditional landowners.
Putting his own artistry to the test, Menzel has created a series of mock-ups of potential designs to allow residents to easily visualise the project’s possible outcome.
Menzel said that while community consultation has been and will continue to be extensive, putting all of the proposed ideas onto one silo will be “quite difficult” to make aesthetically pleasing.
“As you come into Kapunda you can’t miss it,” Menzel said.
“You can see it from the supermarket carpark or while you’re filling up your car at the petrol station.”
