Free and Famous Street Art in Melbourne

Editorial

With spray cans at hand, these artists and the many that quickly followed, decorated and re-decorated Melbourne's hidden laneways, adding colour and vitality for passersby to enjoy. A 2003 visit by London's Banksy  (one of the world's most renowned and commercially successful street artists - Angelina Jolie has forked out a fortune for some of his work) gave further cred to the craze. In just a few days Banksy added his trademark parachuting rats to Melbourne's landscape and, most famously, a diving bell figure right outside a Flinders Lane police station which became known all over the world as 'The Little Diver'. Unfortunately, all of Banksy's Melbourne work has now been worked over (an occupational hazard of street art) or, ironically, vandalised.

To see street art for free head to Hosier Lane, Melbourne's most famous decorated laneway. Popular with tourists and fellow artists, the Laneway is constantly worked and reworked by Melbourne's emerging and established street artists. Of course, street artists are now exhibiting works for sale in galleries. If you're looking to buy, head to Fitzroy's Gorker Gallery (345 Gore Street) and Artholes (114 Gertrude Street) as a start. Capping off the street art scene is Melbourne's Stencil Art Festival. Held annually since 2004 and celebrating successive waves of street artists, stay tuned for details of its 2009 instalment.
Kelly Ford, Citysearch, 2009