Melbourne-based artist Lukas Kasper, who simply goes by Kasper, said 2021 would be his first time attending the Upstream festival and he was exciting to contribute as much art as possible to the event while on the Border.

"Within these six months I'll be looking to create as many murals as possible around Wodonga to liven some otherwise forgotten spaces up," he said.

"Each wall will have a different artwork with a different story behind it. If you keep your eyes peeled you might even see a new artwork coming to life close to you."

Kasper's latest mural at the Mahony's Nextra Newsagency is inspired by the Murray River, transforming a 'dirty brick wall' into a lively Murray Cod over about five days of painting.

"The newsagency's back wall was perfect, nice and big and could do with a little kiss and a hug so to speak so we approached the owner of the building with an idea for a big mural to liven up the space and he was more than happy to provide his wall," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

A Wodonga Council spokeswoman said a range of murals have been commissioned across the Twin Cities as part of the festival.

The works will be added to a public art trail across the two cities that has been mapped for the first time.

The 2021 Upstream festival, which is a two cities one community event held by both Albury and Wodonga councils, will be held from March 5 to 8 and includes online, livestreamed and in-person events.

Capacity at the physical events has been restricted due to COVID-19 and precautions are in place.

The spokeswoman said events were planned to be as agile as possible in the changing environment.

The full program of events can be found on the Wodonga or Albury council websites.