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One of the most prominent qualities of Melbourne, Australia, is its abundance of street art. Stencils, paste-ups and murals occupy the walls of buildings along Hosier, Rutledge, Caledonian and Union Lanes, expressing the creative minds of Australians through urban design. Locum tenens don't even need to step into a gallery to witness the finest works of local artists—all you have to do is walk out your front door and onto the streets of the city.
Different from graffiti, which is illegal in the country, street art is approved by building owners as well as the local council and is considered a creative art form. While some individuals give the expressive art negative connotations, other city members have used it to positively boost tourism and form collaborative bonds with community members.
In the past, the City of Melbourne has run a mentoring program for the youth of the district to work with professional artists and create street murals together in Union Lane. Other prominent residents have used the unique local works to start up their own entrepreneurial business—like designer Fiona Sweetman, who leads Hidden Secrets Tours where she takes city visitors and curious residents through the area on a 2-hour journey, pointing out the most impacting streetscapes in Melbourne.
While some residents have conflicting opinions about the street art, it is unarguable that the life-sized, statement art forms are an essential part of Australian culture.