You're invited to the launch of the Molly Meldrum statue by Louis Laumen and Wall of Music mural by 23rd Key from 11am to 12pm on Tuesday 25 September at the newly upgraded Wangaratta Street Park to celebrate these artworks that celebrate Australian music. 

These installations are a special tribute to Richmond music legend Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum AM and were made possible by a $40,000 Creative Victoria grant towards public artworks that celebrate Australian music, as well as funds raised through an Australian Cultural Fund campaign.

The project was instigated by Meldrum’s long-time friend and supporter Ralph Carr.

Louis Laumen, an acclaimed Melbourne-based artist will install the life-sized bronze statue of local music identity Molly Meldrum in Wangaratta Street Park behind the Corner Hotel.

Internationally renowned for having promoted the careers of emerging musicians, Meldrum has lived in his Egyptian-themed house in Richmond for almost 40 years. Among many things, he is celebrated for his role as the presenter of Countdown which aired from 1974 to1987.

A Creative Victoria ‘Rockin’ The Laneways’ grant has built on this project by supporting a mural for the park that will tell the story of local music.

The ‘Wall of Music’ mural, by artist 23rd Key depicts a sea of hands of adoring music fans at the Corner Hotel, flanked by gig posters. This mural was installed on Friday 17 August

23rd Key is a renowned Melbourne based artist who creates photo-realistic stencil artworks. 23rd Key was selected and commissioned after an initial concept design phase, and has worked with the Corner Hotel’s photographer in residence to choose a crowd scene which has formed the basis of the mural. 

All who wish to attend the launch are welcomed.