New generation of street art

School holiday program in the CBD is an off-the-scale artistic indulgence for hundreds of appreciative young people.

In the case of Lily Nguyen, 20, and Levi Mills, 13, they were able to spend a week being mentored by the likes of renowned street artist Adrian Doyle at Blender Studios in Franklin St.

For others it was animation, or sound and robotics, or sculpture, or video projection, or poetry for the deaf.

Run annually as Signal Summer, the 10-day program is seen as an incubator for budding artists who, it is hoped, will develop and contribute to Melbourne’s revered position as an international cultural capital.

Adrian (call me Doyle) said up-and-coming street artist Russkid was a Signal Summer graduate.

“If you are serious about art, this is the place for you,” he said. “It’s a privilege to work with these kids and watch them mature.”

For Lily, it is the second year she has attended the program.  She undertook an advanced diploma in visual art last year and this year starts a photography degree.

The St Albans resident hopes to learn enough spray can techniques to be able to mentor others in her neighbourhood. “Maybe I can make a career out of it,” she said.

For Levi, who starts year seven this year, he was just appreciative to be accepted into the program.

The Ferntree Gully youngster says his drawing skills have improved dramatically.  “I just like the look of street art,” he said.