This walking tour of Windsor and Prahran provides an insight into the works of street art that have been commissioned by individuals, the council and private enterprise.

Street Art was once perceived to be rebellious and in many ways a destructive form of expression. Property owners have spent thousands of dollars removing and repainting walls only to have them graffitied again. It is now not uncommon for these property owners to commission works of street art. Private corporations, private individuals and public bodies have all now embraced the notion of using street art to discourage tagging. Stonnington Council has been involved in an innovative program called “Hit the streets”. The program aims to provide young people with the opportunity “to develop and showcase their skills” and to utilise their “talents to best use through legal and commercial opportunities.”

But what does this imply for street art? As with any new art movement, there is a certain amount of controversy. Any concept that defies the mainstream is always questioned. Street art is no exception. Commissioned work or not, art inspires.