Artists’ Advice Ōtepoti: Murals

So, you want a mural…

Ōtepoti has a fantastic selection of murals and street art ranging from community-led works to large pieces by international artists. 

Original artwork by Olli McPherson. Copyright DCC.,

Our Murals Cheat Sheet has all the information to help you get your mural project underway and ensure that your mural is successfully and safely installed.

Some Mural FAQs:

I’ve got a great idea for a mural, will DCC help pay for this?

• DCC does not have dedicated funding for murals or street art.
• If your mural is a community-led project, it might be eligible for a Creative Communities Scheme grant.
• Arts crowd-funding platform Boosted can be a good way to raise funds.
• Talk to the Dunedin Street Art Trust. They are passionate about great street art in Ōtepoti and have a lot of experience in fundraising for and managing mural projects.

There’s a blank wall by my house, can I get a mural painted on it?

• You will need to get permission from the wall’s owner – is it DCC or private property?

How can I find an artist?

• Google is your friend, a search for mural artists Dunedin will bring up a number of artist contacts.
• Talk to us – we’re happy to help where we can.
• Dunedin’s a small place: put a call out on your social media.

How much will it cost?

• This depends on the size, location, and artist’s experience. Think $5,000 minimum for a small work.
• If you need scaffolding and/or a Traffic Management plan, this can add significant costs to the project. 

Creative Partnerships at the Dunedin City Council

The small Creative Partnerships team works to ensure that Ōtepoti’s arts, cultural, and creative life is as vibrant and engaging as its inhabitants and that all those who call Ōtepoti home have a place in the city’s creative landscape.

At the core of what Creative Partnerships does is building relationships and supporting projects that help realise Ara Toi Ōtepoti – Dunedin’s Arts and Culture Strategy.

We are here to support Ōtepoti creative practitioners with advice, resources, and advocacy so that they can do what they do best, whether it’s public sculpture, improvised theatre, or a spontaneous trombone concert. We’re delighted to share our resources with you.