Dunedin a destination for world-class street art

Dunedin a destination for world-class street art

Dunedin has long been known for its musical talents, and now it's making a name as a street art destination.

A growing list of top urban artists has left its mark on the walls of the city, and building owners are welcoming the splash of colour.

It all began with one mural -- a giant Tuatara painted on the side of a coffee shop by visiting Belgian graffiti artist ROA two years ago.

"We captured the hearts and imagination of the city, and it's grown like topsy since then," says Scott Muir of the Dunedin Street Art Project.

More than 30 pieces of street art now dot the central city, featuring the work of both local artists and some big international names.

UK urban artist Phlegm recently completed his second piece, just down the road from where Poland's NeSpoon was painting one of her trademark lace designs.

"One artist comes here and tells the other artist what a great place it is, how welcoming we are, the kind of hospitality that we give the people when they come to Dunedin," says Mr Muir. "They love that, as well as the experience of being able to put a piece of their art on our walls."

A trust coordinates all the different works, liaising with artists and building owners. Many were initially wary of offering up their blank walls to mystery artists.

"There's one building owner in particular that when I first approached him he was like, 'no'," says Glen Hazelton of the Dunedin Street Art Project. "'Anything that's on the side of a wall I think is graffiti, and I think by you doing this project it's going to be a problem and it's going to end up with more graffiti. No, don't support it.'"

He's since changed his mind, after seeing public reaction and the increase in foot traffic.

"Now we've got owners splitting the cost of bringing artists in, and putting thousands of dollars into each wall, which is absolutely fantastic," says Mr Hazelton. "So I think they're seeing the currency."

A walking trail has been printed up to encourage people to explore the city on foot. It's a project that's inspiring local artists and disaffected youth.

"If you're a kid from south Dunedin and you see one of these pieces of work on the wall, you can understand that that artist isn't necessarily exhibiting in London or Milan in a gallery, but their work is on the streets of those cities," says Mr Muir.

The project is creating a sense of pride in the city, and brightening up the streets with a thought-provoking outdoor gallery.

Newshub.