Helping Artists Reach New Heights in Darwin

Kennards Hire has been announced as the first Official Equipment Partner of the Darwin Street Art Festival (DSAF), supporting the delivery of the festival’s milestone tenth year as part of its ongoing commitment to lift up communities across Australia.

Transforming Darwin into one of Australia’s leading open-air galleries, the partnership sees Kennards Hire provide essential equipment and on-the-ground operational support to enable artists and organisers to safely deliver large-scale murals and installations. This includes access equipment, vehicles and temporary infrastructure that support the complex, multi-site nature of the festival.

The 2026 program will see more than 20 artists contribute new works across Darwin, alongside exhibitions, workshops and public activations. The festival also marks the creation of its 150th mural since inception, reinforcing its impact on the city’s cultural and visual identity.

In a creative landscape where arts and cultural festivals are under increasing financial and operational pressure, DSAF’s continued growth and longevity are a testament to the meaningful partnerships that help bring it to life.

Mike Randall, Kennards Hire Branch Manager, Access Darwin says, “As the festival’s first Official Equipment Partner, we’re excited to be playing a practical, hands-on role in enabling artists to safely and efficiently deliver large-scale works across the city. This partnership is a practical example of how we support communities on the ground, helping ensure complex, large-scale projects can be delivered safely and effectively.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the festival come to life across Darwin and being part of the impact it creates in the community.”

David Collins, Director, Darwin Street Art Festival says, “We are excited to have Kennards Hire on board this year - it's been one of our dream partnerships! Being able to align with an Australian, family-owned business that genuinely values community projects is important to us, especially when it's such a natural fit for the festival. With their support, providing essential equipment like elevated work platforms, vehicles, and temporary fencing - we’re able to deliver the tenth edition of our festival both safely and at scale.”

As part of the partnership, the DSAF team has also created a bespoke piece of artwork for Kennards Hire. It will be displayed at the Kennards Hire Access Branch and has been used to produce 25 merchandise packs for the artists and crew.

By enabling the safe delivery of large-scale public art, Kennards Hire is helping bring to life a festival that continues to shape Darwin’s identity as a city defined by creativity, colour and community connection.

The Darwin Street Art Festival 2026 program runs from 22 May to 5 June across Darwin’s CBD and surrounding precincts.

For more on how Kennards Hire contributes to the communities in which it operates visit: kennards.com.au/community-support