No more graffiti, says Marrickville Council

Marrickville Council has announced plans to combat illegal graffiti through an innovative prevention program made possible by a $218 300 grant from the state government.
Such techniques involve increasing ‘natural surveillance’ through the installation of outdoor public facilities, commissioning new public artworks to replace blank walls, and redesigning open areas.
Specific projects include installing outdoor exercise equipment in the Camperdown Oval area, as well as providing for public art on Station St, next to Marrickville Station.
The Council plans to work with local artists in implementing the program.
Mayor Morris Hanna said: “We know that a multi-level approach, that includes providing alternatives to [graffiti artists] … is likely to be more effective than a singular blanket approach.”
Local artist and architecture student, David de Boose, said: “An approach like that, working with the community … sounds like a positive initiative.”
“Every time there’s negative media towards graffiti, [removal] figures are in the millions of dollars, so it seems more sensible to invest money into prevention.”
Kee Kee, co-owner of ma. gallery, agreed that in theory the Council is pursuing a worthwhile cause, though she had her reservations.
Her gallery, which has featured street art, was originally set up in Chippendale, and now operates in ‘pop-up’ form all over inner Sydney.
“A local council is never going to fully take illegal graffiti away,” Kee Kee said.
She described the fight against graffiti as a “never-ending battle” but said there was evidence of success where a wall was established for public art in Petersham.
If accomplished, the new program could begin to transform the Marrickville area into something rarely seen in Sydney.
“Graffiti has become more ‘mainstream’ in recent years. It’s a bit more trendy,” Mr de Boos said, referencing other cities.
“What’s great about places like Melbourne is that there’s legal street art all around and it’s integrated really well. The community will transform itself.”