Community Groups Expand Northcote's Street Art Through Organized Projects

The Northcote Rise Art Project, directed by the Northcote Business Association together with artist Grace West, replaces ground-level graffiti with narrative murals that highlight local history and community stories.

Earlier Murals and Their Outcomes

The Northcote Koori Mural, a 44.27-metre Indigenous artwork designed by Megan Evans in 1983, was moved from High Street to St Georges Road in Thornbury after 1992 and later produced as a vinyl digital print in 2013-2014 because the original surface had deteriorated. The Smith St Women’s Mural, titled ‘Bomboniere to Barbed Wire’ and painted by Eve Glenn and Megan Evans in 1986, was vandalised and later demolished between 2016 and 2019 after tagging by graffiti writer Nost, with the wall itself removed in 2019.

Current Activity Along High Street

High Street, which passes through Northcote, Thornbury and Preston, displays a continuous line of assorted murals next to independent shops and cafes. Recent additions include a collaboration between stencil artist N2O and Manda Lane near Little Locals cafe, while local Indigenous artist Ray Thomas completed a substantial mural and painted bas relief at Northcote Civic Square on High Street.

Practical Steps for Residents and Visitors

People interested in the murals can walk the High Street corridor or visit the relocated Northcote Koori Mural on St Georges Road to see the documented works in place. The Northcote Rise Art Project continues to install new pieces that replace graffiti with community-focused designs.