Tackling tagging with street art
Fitzroy in inner Melbourne is famous for its vibrant street art scene, which attracts tourists from all over the world.
But many residents of Fitzroy aren't as keen on tagging - a simple form of graffiti which is usually just a name or a few words sprayed in one colour, which costs the community thousands of dollars in cleaning.
Now the local council is fighting back. One site which was a favourite of taggers was the huge rear wall of an old factory now occupied by a self-storage company called Fry's.
The company's managing director James Koek says that Fry's wanted to transform the wall from into a source of community pleasure.
He consulted the firm Juddy Roller which specialises in bringing street artists together with clients. The City of Yarra lent its enthusiastic support, and Paula Svehaug from the city’s engineering department took on management of the project. With $25,000 supplied by the Victorian Government, the project went ahead.
Now the wall is dominated by a row of large and stunning portraits painted by prominent street artists Rone, Cam Scale, Sofles, Adnate, Jason Parker, Jimmy Dviate and emerging artist Heesco.
Some of the pictures portray local people, and all celebrate the city's rich diversity.
Michael takes you to the launch of the project.
Guests
- Shaun Hossack
- Street art curator who coordinated the project and Director of the firm Juddy Roller
- Jackie Fristacky
- Councillor, City of Yarra
- Jimmy Dviate
- Street artist
- Abraham
- City of Yarra graffiti cleaner
- Viv
- Local busker
- Richard Wynne
- Local MP and Victorian minister for planning
- Peter Hanson
- Resident
Credits
- Interviewer
- Michael Cathcart
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