8. Graffiti identity

My very own version of graffiti art.

LilithFilth, November 2007. Melbourne’s Graffiti Identity, <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hEFbTdoMSg&feature=related> [Accessed 5 Oct 2010].

In this You Tube video, it basically previews a compilation of some amazing graffiti arts around the city of Melbourne.

Vandalism or not, but in Melbourne graffiti is considered as a piece of art, maybe even as a masterpiece. Surprisingly, only in Melbourne, graffiti is art. Graffiti is counted as one of the unique image of Melbourne and there is even a site that dedicates or acknowledges the artwork of the graffiti artist, check it out at http://www.melbournegraffiti.com . 

Melbourne graffiti considered for heritage protection

The debate surrounding graffiti has been reignited in Melbourne today with the city's laneway art being considered for heritage protection.

Australia's National Trust and Heritage Victoria are both supporting a move to protect the city's graffiti, but some local council groups say this would just give a green light to vandals.

With the idea of graffiti as an art form in its own right gaining momentum locally... more

Rachel Brown, June 2008, ‘Melbourne graffiti considered for heritage protection’, ABC News, news, stories. <http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/23/2282978.htm> [Accessed 5 Oct 2010]

In Brown’s article, she mentioned graffiti is so wide spread and popular in Melbourne, it has ‘reignite debates on the surrounding graffiti in the city of Melbourne’s laneway arts to be considered for heritage protection’ (para1). However, there are some local councils whom protest against the idea stating that it will ‘give green lights to the vandals’ (para2). Ms Avery, Trust’s cultural heritage manager, argued saying “I see in Melbourne that graffiti art is an important part of the spectrum of cultural and design activities that Melburnians engage with” (para5). 

One of the most famous British graffiti artist named Banksy, whom artwork has been sold and bought by Angelina Jolie for 200,000 pounds inspires the councils of Melbourne to ponder the protection of graffiti laneways may worth money under the tourist industry. Banksy has even complimented quoting ‘Melbourne's laneways are arguably Australia's most significant contribution to the arts’ (para6). 

Even though every individual graffiti art piece is just ephemeral, it is recognized as Melbourne’s identity as it is extraordinary, and appreciated in every laneways in the city of Melbourne. It is not a vandalism act but to be viewed and accepted as a great street art on walls.