Call for Community Participation | Women’s Mural Documentation Project

Image via Yarra City Arts | Image: Courtesy of Megan Evans.

Image via Yarra City Arts | Image: Courtesy of Megan Evans.

The Women’s Mural Documentation Project will document the lifespan and significance of The Women’s Mural: From Bomboniere to Barbed Wire, located in Smith Street, Fitzroy. Created in 1986 by artists, Megan Evans and Eve Glenn, the mammoth 50 by 12 metre mural, a striking example of Melbourne’s world famous street art, was once again the source of much controversy in February 2016 when almost two-thirds of its area was defaced. The obliteration of many of the women from inner northern Melbourne depicted in the mural, provoked community outcry and reminded us of the importance of this women’s space.The City of Yarra has commissioned the Women’s Art Register (Danielle Hakim and Sally Northfield) to harness this community concern and we are seeking to engage the community in a discussion about the role and meaning of the mural including

  • The signifcance of the mural
  • The history of the mural over the last 30 years
  • The recent commentary and interactions on the site following the defacement
  • The future of the mural

We are actively collecting any documentation and opinions associated with the mural (1986 to 2016). There are many ways people can contribute – ideas, recollections, photos, protest banners, stories, T-shirts, anecdotes, mural street- party posters and tickets.

We are interested in asking the community questions such as:

  • Were you or someone you know at the infamous street party to launch the Women’s Mural in Hodgkinson Street and Smith Street, Clifton Hill, on Saturday 5th April, 1986?
  • Did you photograph the mural while the artists were painting it?
  • Have you taken a photo in front of the mural at some stage over its 30 year history?
  • Are you a friend of one of the women depicted?
  • Do you gaze at the mural from the No.86 tram on your daily commute?
  • Did you work at the Gas and Fuel depot behind the mural?
  • Or do you just want to tell us what the mural means to you?

Whatever the involvement with the mural and no matter how small the contribution is – we want to hear it! Please contact Danielle Hakim and Sally Northfield at: thewomensmuralproject@gmail.com

See the website here: www.the-womens-mural-doc-project.com.au

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