Skip to main content

                    Street art

                    Street artwork of a woman with three eyes holding up her hands
                    The City of Melbourne recognises the importance of street art in contributing to a vibrant urban culture. Melbourne’s street art is internationally renowned and has become an attraction for local and overseas visitors experiencing Melbourne’s creative ambience.

                    ​​​​​​We have conducted research and community consultation which revealed that most people do not like graffiti ‘tagging’ (a person writing their graffiti name or ‘tag’ on a wall with marker or paint). However, many people appreciate ‘street art’ such as larger, more artistic pieces, or murals placed in appropriate locations with the required permission.

                    In response, the City of Melbourne’s Graffiti Management Plan distinguishes between:

                    • the need to remove unwanted graffiti applied without permission
                    • street art placed on walls and infrastructure with the blessing of property owners.

                    City of Melbourne takes a strong stance against illegal graffiti and has a number of measures in place to ensure that the city stays clean. For more information on how you can reduce graffiti on your property, visit Graffiti.

                    Looking for street art locations?
                    Street art can be found across the city. Visit street art at What's On for locations.

                    Frequently asked questions

                    Street art

                    Street art vs graffiti?

                    ​Street art is artistic work done with the permission of the person who owns the wall that the work is being done on. Graffiti is any writing or images on property without permission and typically includes tagging, writing, etching, stencilling, images or scribbling. With the proper permission, street art is legal in the City of Melbourne. Written permission is required from the building owner and a planning permit may also be required for a property in a heritage control area.

                    Do I need a permit for street art?

                    ​You require written permission from the building owner for the wall that the work is being done on. A planning permit from City of Melbourne may also be required for a property in a heritage control area.

                    Does the City of Melbourne commission street art?

                    ​Subject to budget, we may occasionally commission large street art works to brighten dull spaces.

                    Skip Image Gallery

                    Street art image gallery

                    Painting of a woman on the side of a terrace house.Street art of Bart Simpson riding a skateboard with a spraypaint can, being chased by assorted cartoon characters.External wall of Movida painted with red and black street art, with a moped parked outside.Street art of white square with stylised black image of a band.Painting of three flying beetles, on a wall.Painting of two men, one in silhouette, on a brick wall.Bright, stylised painting of a man wearing a hat and carrying a spear.Bright painting of a clown with sharp teeth.Painting of intricate and brightly coloured patterns.Painting of a surprised bee surrounded by intricate patterns, on a brick wall.Painting of an eye, in yellows and browns, on a brick wall.Stylised painting on a door of a woman with red hair in a red dress.Red and white starburst pattern painted on a brick wall and surrounded by other patterns.
                      Was this page helpful?

                      If you'd like to give more feedback or ask a question, please contact us.