I’m sure you’ve seen the signs, and no Jesus is most definitely not coming – I’m talking about the new anti-graffiti laws banning the possession of a spray can. This means that if you have purchased a can of spray paint, no matter what the reason, if you have it on you in ‘public’ then the police can fine you $550 on the spot! Pretty scary huh? Aside from the fact that it is ridiculous to assume that anyone who carries a spray can around is talented enough to produce art with it, this law is also taking a stab at one of Melbourne’s big draw cards. We are now known around the world for our awesome graffiti, street art culture, and ‘open air’ exhibitions. I mean just look at the images here, and these are just a very small sample of what can be found around the city in laneways and hidden corners.
Well luckily for us Batman, there is someone out there trying to do something about it. Don’t Ban the Can is a north-side exhibition and event, which aims to raise awareness of just how counter productive this ‘can banning’ law actually is. Featuring the work of around 200 local and international artists, the exhibition will take place at the end of September, and organisers are now calling on artists to submit an original A3 work for consideration, possibly to be included in the exhibition.
For more information or to submit to the exhibition visit
dontbanthecan.com.
Anti Graffiti Laws: The Fast Facts
POSSESSING A ‘PRESCRIBED GRAFFITI IMPLEMENT’ (section 7)
This means a spray paint can. You CAN be charged with this offence: If you are near or on public transport, you have a spray paint can on you or in your bag, car etc. It’s no excuse that you weren’t going to do graffiti. It is an excuse if you are using it for a job or trade but you’ll have to prove it. You can expect to receive an on-the-spot fine of $550 or more OR maximum fine of 25 penalty points ($2,750).
SEARCHES (without warrant)
Police have expanded special search powers to search anyone 14 or over who is on or near to public transport
for spray paint cans. Police can inspect your bag, ask you to remove a coat, hat and shoes and do a ‘pat down’ search.
For more info on this out-of-touch badly thought out initiative head to
justice.vic.gov.au/graffiti.
Some images from
melbournegraffiti.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The Don't Ban the Can peaceful protest has been changed. It's still September 20th, but it's now at Clifton Park, Victoria Street, Brunswick. Play nice and don't act like a fucktard, you'll ruin the whole plan. More at the Don't Ban the Can User Feed.