Five interactive images have been created by local artists as part of a festive art project and can be found on Hastings Street and High Street in Wauchope until early January.

Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry representative Lisa McPherson said the project has received support from NAB Wauchope, Hastings Co-op, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and participating artists.

"Typically the Chamber hosts an annual Christmas celebrations in Bain Park, however due to the social distancing guidelines this year we weren't able to host that event," Miss McPherson said.

"We looked at another festive project we could do instead and bring to Wauchope. We applied for community grant funding with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and received the funding for the mural project.

"From artist submissions made to the project we selected five works and worked with digital artist Mic Rees to develop augmented reality experiences with the images."

Ms McPherson said members of the public can download the mobile phone app ARTIVIVE, scan an image and watch it come alive or see it change.

"People can take their mobile phone to each image and using the app they can access sound, video, images or watch the image move. Each image has a different reaction through the app," she said.

"This is the first time the Chamber has used augmented reality and brought this kind of digital experience to the community.

"We certainly want to encourage people to come into town and shop in the area. In regards to the images themselves we wanted people to feel there is a Christmas element in town, inspire that festive spirit and draw attention to our talented local artists.

"It's an opportunity for people of any generation to come together and share an experience through technology."