A private collection of 23 of Banksy’s works is heading to Sydney’s Cockatoo Island for the biggest street art festival in the southern hemisphere, Outpost Project.

The Banksy works’ journey to Cockatoo island will be the first time that the Oi You! Collection (which houses the Banksy works) will have been seen outside of New Zealand. “People are fascinated by Banksy’s art and by his identity, which has never been revealed. This is a private collection, showcasing an art movement that has become a global phenomenon,” says Geoff Bailey, Sydney Harbour Federation trust executive director.

The festival, presented by the Sydney Harbour Federation and curated by aMBUSH Gallery, will include about 51 different projects, featuring more than 100 local and international artists including Meggs, Anthony Lister, Ben Frost and Kid Zoom (images of Cockatoo Island below courtesy of aMBUSH Gallery).

The festival will include the grand final of Skateboarding Australia’s 2011 Pro/Am tour, educational programs, art-making projects, live art, pop up bars, DJs, tours and family activities.

The festival is free and will run over five weeks from 4 November 2011 to 11 December 2011.

All images copyright Andrew Quilty.