'The Junction' is divided into distinct mural areas.

• Salvador Dali-inspired graffiti-style mural
• 'Def before dishonour' graffiti-style mural, indigenous themed community mural
• 'Welcome to St Kilda' tram stop graffiti-style mural
• two circus-themed graffiti-style mural productions upon the walls of the tunnel sections
• graffiti style mural adorning the pump station at the centre of 'The Junction'.

The City of Port Phillip are providing opportunities for artists to rejuvenate 'The Junction'. These sites are only available to artists who apply through council. Any unsolicited work will be removed and offenders may face prosecution. 

Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online. If you prefer phone ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713 and ask for the Youth Project Officer.

'The Junction' at the cnr of Fitzroy Street and St Kilda Road has been a notorious graffiti black spot for many years, costing tens of thousands a year to constantly remove illegal tags from the site.  'The Junction Area Action Group' highlighted the opinions of many local residents who felt unsafe using this vital pedestrian thoroughfare.

The area is currently managed by VicRoads, who operate a 'rapid removal' policy in regards to illegal tagging. This approach has been unsuccessful in curbing graffiti in the precinct's tunnels and ramps.  Under these arrangements, the precinct would remain covered in tags, fuelling perceptions of fear and lack of safety which turns into a reluctance / unwillingness for public use of the facility. 

In response to these concerns City of Port Phillip approached VicRoads in regards to implementing a community art project at 'The Junction'. The concept was to change people's perceptions of  'The Junction' from a dreary unsafe eyesore to an inviting, visually stimulating, community art precinct.

Work on 'The Junction' started in 2005 with over 100 individual stakeholders involved in the project. Especially deserving are the 50 volunteer artists. These included primary school students, members of the local indigenous community, respected Melbourne Street and Stencil Artists and the young people in Whitelion juvenile justice system serving community orders.

'The Junction' was finally completed in 2006 culminating with a launch of the site at Albert Park Lake. The launch was celebration for all those involved in creating a truly remarkable piece of art for the whole of community to enjoy. 

 Collaborators

• Local Community   (JAAG)
• City of Port Phillip
• VicRoads (owners of the site)
• Metlink
• Yarra Trams
• Local Artists
• Victorian Police
• Whitelion
• St Kilda Primary School
• Taskforce community Agency
• Dulux Australia. 

According to the Mayor of Port Phillip Cr Janet Bolitho, the street art should deter tagging in the future, as well as making the precinct a lot more inviting. “Everyone involved has a sense of ownership in the murals. By creating legal wall spaces, we're also hoping the momentum will carry graffiti enthusiasts in the same direction,” she said.

“During this long project, the volunteers heard each other's stories and developed a strong appreciation and understanding of each others perspectives around the graffiti issue. We hope this will provide an inspiration to others grappling with these issues.

“The St Kilda Junction offers an alternative to the punitive 'zero-tolerance' approach to graffiti issues often adopted by other organisations.

“It's also a model that saves money. Instead of spending many thousands of dollars per year on grey paint to wipe out graffiti at the junction only to have it reappear the next week, VicRoads is now outlaying a comparatively tiny amount. The new murals have been covered with a sealant which we also hope will reduce the likelihood of it being defaced by tagging. So far, the overall approach seems to be working.

“Through addressing the complex and expensive issue of graffiti as a community and social issue, we believe we have arrived at a lasting and financially sustainable solution.”

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