By Peter Douglas
A major street-art project in Belgrave’s Blacksmiths Way has been hailed a huge success, according to the event’s co-ordinator, TBC Australia.
The ‘Big Paint’ event, held throughout the weekend of 25-26 February, lured a diverse range of artists, including many locals, who expressed themselves through their art.
The event forms part of an ambitious youth-based art project, which, over the past three years, has transformed the landscape of Belgrave’s Blacksmiths Way, with street art now taking prominence in the once heavily ‘tagged’ laneway.
As one of TBC Australia’s four major art projects, over the past three years young artists have exerted much creative energy in Blacksmith’s Way, with inspiration coming both from the artist and their surrounds.
The program is designed to not only offer a ‘compromise’ for the graffiti prone area – located next to the train station – but open up creative pathways for local youth.
TBC Australia’s Tiffaney Bishop said the Blacksmith’s Way project had been a hugely positive influence on those involved.
“It’s not designed to be any kind of youth service – we’re just artists – but you can really see the therapeutic benefits,” she said.
“Some of our crew have gone on to university, with one going on to study fashion design.
“They’re amazingly creative individuals and their work really needs to be seen in a positive light.”
Ms Bishop said she was enormously proud of the work of TBC, which took on a life of its own over 10 years ago.
The origins began with Ms Bishop hosting an art class during which the students were very disinterested.
Subsequently, she introduced a street art element, which seemed “to click” with the students.
Ms Bishop said it had been successful, to the point where the members effectively lead the group themselves.
“It’s not really managed by me, I take on a curator role because all artists – aged between 12 years and 20-somethings – all have a part to play,” she said.
“They’re so passionate about what they do; they want to see it succeed.”
Though their work in Blacksmith’s Way hasn’t gained the support of all traders in the main street, many have been supportive and given their work the thumbs up.
One such enthusiast is Joe Domantay from Grunge Cafe.
“Our cafe is in a unique position where our customers can view the landscape below,” he said.
“So it’s much nicer to have big feature murals, rather than random tags everywhere.”
Mr Domantay, who has been at the cafe for five years, said the artwork had added vibrancy to the main strip.
“Street art can be a real feature, if it’s done properly,” he said.
“I feel like there is a culture shift happening in Belgrave, with many trendy cafes emerging, and their art has really added to that.”
Meanwhile, the future of TBC is far from secure.
The organisation receives funding from Yarra Ranges Council, as well as support from the University of Melbourne, Belgrave Traders Association, the Upwey Township Group and others.
But, in order to survive, Ms Bishop knows TBC needs to transition to a financially sustainable business model.
The exposure gained from Blacksmith’s Way is part of the effort, along with a gallery exhibition planned for later this year.
Then, there is involvement with an augmented reality project in Taipei, along with the development of a quarterly magazine.
The publication, to be called ‘Hoodie’, aims to highlight the artists’ work, as well as provide employment opportunities and an income stream for TBC.
“We want the young artists to become successful on a professional level, to give them exposure to a professional environment,” she said.
To reach out and help TBC, visit www.tbcaustralia.org.
