Hidden laneways

This city has amazing hidden art and treasures around every corner. 

With its vast networks of laneways, Melbourne is the world’s largest public art gallery. Our city has become a leader in cultural economy. 

Normally when I write this column I complain about rich people milking our city for their own nefarious needs, but not today. Today I am going to give you the heads up on a few of the lesser-known and coolest laneways in Melbourne’s CBD. The first lane that I want to talk about is:

Flinders Court. Off Flinders Lane, this space was set up about five years ago with help from Blender Studios and Signal and a few years ago it was repainted as part of the Meeting of Styles event. 

Blender Lane is soon to be extended into the new market project. Blender Lane was home to the Blender Studios for nearly 17 years. As a result, it has become one of the most painted and beautiful laneways in the city. It has most famous stencil wall in Australia, which is unfortunately currently hidden under paint. But don’t worry, it was painted hard with an anti-graffiti resin when we moved. So, one day it can be restored to its former glory. 

Loveland Lane on Queen St near the Vic Market. Loveland was named after the first farm in the area and is one of the longest lanes in the city. This lane has a variety of quality work and is regularly repainted by artists. It has lots of hidden works throughout so make sure that you keep an eye open and look in the weirder spots.

Electric Place runs between A’Beckett and Franklin streets. This lane is more of a graffiti-style lane painted as part of the Meeting of Styles festival. This lane is completely painted out with a large crew piece at the front. It is next to a backpackers so feel free to walk around.

All these lanes are in public space and you have access to all the art in them created by artists over many years. 

The lanes are a gift to Melbourne and they are really interesting. Street art is a democratic medium available for everyone to enjoy. 

So, get out there and enjoy all the beautiful art, buildings and smells that make our city great.

Have an awesome month!

Cheers punkz

Doyle