StreetWORKS, now in its fourth successful year, started out as a pilot anti-graffiti intervention program in 2014 endorsed by Maribyrnong City Council and aimed at resolving concerns over graffiti ‘hot spots’.
The dual purpose of the program was to enliven local neighbourhoods and public spaces with innovative and site specific artworks and provide professional opportunities for artists.
With clear benefits for the site owners, local community, and visual artists, we’ve witnessed the transformation of public places and a change in perception and attitudes toward street and public art.
The positive outcomes are best presented in this collection of “before” and “after” photos, kindly provided by Maribyrnong City Council.
Site: 2 French Street (corner Albert Street), Footscray
Issue: Repeated, large scale tagging, often cleaned by elderly owner
Brief: Create site-specific artwork
Artist: Heesco
Outcome: The wall has never been tagged since.
Site: Footscray & District Angling Club, 70 Pentland Parade, Seddon
Issue: Site heavily tagged
Brief: Mural with fishing theme
Artist: Cezary Stulgis
Outcome: No repeat tagging has occurred.
Site: Coral Avenue carpark (rear Zoom Fitness) 1/287 Ballarat Road, Footscray
Issue: Secluded, unsafe hot spot for graffiti adjacent to children’s route to school.
Brief: Create large-scale artwork of particular interest to children
Artist/s: Mayfield Palace (Julia Both and Chuck Mayfield)
Outcome: Minor tagging on one occasion.
Site: Hopkins Street Rail Bridge, Footscray
Issue: Graffiti, site cold and uninviting
Brief: Re-invigorate site, reflect heritage and stories of Maribyrnong.
Artist: Amanda Morgan
Outcome: The artwork has become a focal point for the roadway and pedestrians
Before (above) and After (below)
Site: 86-88 Hopkins Street (upper level, facing Moore St), Footscray
Issue: Large scale tagging, safety hazard due to height
Brief: Create site-specific mural
Artist: Conrad Bizjak
Outcome: Artwork has never been tagged.
Before (above) and After (below)
Site: Footscray Milking Station, 35 Bunbury Street, Footscray
Issue: Tagging and damage
Brief: Create themed artwork featuring indigenous birds from key migrant countries
Artist/s: CreatureCreature (Chanel Tang and Ambrose Rehorek)
Outcome: Minor tagging on two occasions.
Before (above) and After (below)
For further information on StreetWORKS, go to: maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/arts-and-culture/Ongoing-programs/StreetWORKS
