From Nine MSN:
Everyone seems to be talking about Melbourne's iconic graffiti, which has polarised Australians in the debate over its possible protection by National Trust and Heritage Victoria.
World-renowned British street artist Banksy has been quoted as saying Melbourne's laneways are arguably Australia's most significant contribution to the arts since "they" stole all the Aborigine's pencils.
But some local residents beg to differ. It is estimated that graffiti clean-up last year cost Victorian tax payers $400 million, and should infamous alleyways, such as Hosier Lane, gain government protection, spray-painted bins and manga megababes will enjoy higher real estate value than most homes in the area.
National Trust's cultural heritage manager Tracey Avery has stated that "graffiti is a unique part of Melbourne's urban fabric, particularly in our laneways, which attract a huge amount of visitors and contribute to the city's vibrancy". And she's right — a recent online poll conducted by Lonely Planet revealed that Melbourne's street art was voted the nation's most popular cultural attraction.
So do we continue to give the tourists what they want and encourage transient art by protecting it?
Regardless of your opinion on whether it is art or an eyesore, a trip to Melbourne would be incomplete without a visit to these alleyways that are home to this controversial renaissance.
Designer and culture vulture Fiona Sweetman leads expert walks through the area on her Hidden Secrets Tours. Prepare to meet important movers and shakers in the ephemeral arts world, such as her friend Andrew Mac, who runs a gallery called Until Never right in the heart of Hosier Lane. Mac focuses on placing transient art in a permanent setting, and in doing so, inspires street artists whose work, albeit temporary, can lead to sustainable, lasting careers in the art world. And his finger-on-the-pulse relationship with artists and taggers alike make him the go-to for graffiti gossip. You'll probably meet a few would-be Banksys along the way as well; the distinctive sound of a spray-paint container being shaken nearby is a soundtrack in this neighbourhood.
Though some perceive Melbourne's graffiti scene to be occupied entirely by young local thugs, in truth, international artists of some acclaim have been drawn to the alleys off Flinders Street. Parisian artist Fafi and American artist Kill Pixie are two of many overseas names who have left their (illegal?) mark on Melbourne while packing out galleries in Europe and the US.
That said, graffiti is still a crime in Victoria, and according to state laws, offenders risk fines in excess of $27,000 and up to two years in prison.
So the question is, do we keep some street art sites forever? or is the very nature of graffiti transient and therefore sites and artworks should always be renewed?
