The bus depot fence in Nicholson Street, Fitzroy North has been transformed into a vibrant community mural thanks to a partnership between Yarra Youth Services (YYS), Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS), Nicholson Village traders, Transdev, Public Transport Victoria and Department of Justice.

Lead artists Michael Fikaris and Brody Xarhakos worked with young, emerging artists to produce the mural through a Yarra Youth Services graffiti diversion program.

The program delivers structured mentoring and community-based mural projects for young people with a focus on professional pathways. The program explores how unsanctioned tagging practices are re-visioned as commercial and creative practices, moving participants’ skill-set and vision from unauthorised tagging into beautification projects responding to community requests.

This particular request came from the Nicholson Village traders, who were tired of looking at the long, brown, often tagged bus depot fence that sits across from their shops. They asked Council for help to transform it into an asset for their shopping village, which was achieved through funding from a Department of Justice Graffiti Prevention grant under the Victorian Government's Community Crime Prevention Program.

The mural features a kinetic scene of abstract imagery inspired by an embrace of 'the seasons and the senses' of Nicholson Street.

Pay a visit to the historic Nicholson Village to view the new mural and while there, explore the precinct’s mix of fresh food, cafes, children’s gifts, health care and beauty businesses.