Man, this year is busy as, there’s so much going on right now its not funny – and the upcoming Red Bull Wreckers Yard event is just another perfect example of all the cool shit that’s happening.

Battle events like this are a particular favourite of ours – nothing like watching a group of hugely talented artists attempting to out do each other in a friendly competition to see who comes up with the best work – and this event gives everyone a chance to see it. Travelling from Melbourne, it then heads to Wellington, Auckland, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney (Sorry Canberra, Hobart and Darwin .. maybe not everyone!) – but if you’re in any of the participating cities, you’ll get a chance to check out some of the finest Australasian artists hitting it hard to impress the judges for some mintox prize money.

“Red Bull Wreckers Yard is taking street art culture from dark back alleys and the train tracks to the people. The best graff artists across Australia and New Zealand have been hand-picked to showcase their creative skill in a legit location.

This unique competition consists of a seven city qualifiers: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland and Wellington. Each qualifier will host eight of the best graff artists from that region to battle it out against one another, displaying their artistic flair, whilst spraying against the clock. Artists will be provided with just a blank canvas and cans of spray paint to do their thing. Each round will be based on a theme, given to the competitors a minute out from the start of the round. Some examples of themes could include greed, lust, nature, fear or freedom. The artists will then have to spray according to the theme.

As the rounds go on, the time limit increases, but the canvas size gets smaller, pushing the boundaries of creativity. The judging criteria include creativity, style and theme interpretation.

The winners from each of the seven qualifiers will score themselves cool prize pack including Skullcandy and G-Shock gear and a trip to Melbourne, to compete in the Red Bull Wreckers Yard Trans Tasman Final! The finalists will go head-to-head to determine Australia and New Zealand’s best graff artist. The winner will take home $1,000 of cold, hard, cash, the chance to design a set of limited edition Skullcandy headphones and the opportunity to graff part of the Red Bull HQ office in Sydney.

Victorian Red Bull Wreckers Yard Curator, Jeremy Gaschk of RTIST Gallery says this is a great opportunity for the Melbourne public to witness graffiti art produced on a tight time-frame. Right in front of their eyes, not down some dark lane-way or train track. Simulating the way an artist would usually be restricted on the street. “Artists chosen to participate in this event are from all different artistic backgrounds. Making it the perfect recipe for a very exciting and visually appealing battle.” Said Jeremy.”

Here’s a run down on all the events and where they are at:

There’s no detail on the artists involved as yet, but we’re certain that there’ll sure that there’ll be some of your favourites from your area, and we’ll update you with any more info as it comes.

Check out the Red Bull events page for more info on events ion your area! Oh yeah, hi New Zealand! This is our first article in our new NZ category and coverage – and we’ll be having lots more for you guys soon …