Yarraville Pop-Up Park ;-)

Ballarat St

Yarraville

 

photos & event information courtesy of http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Gypsy & Poppet love Yarraville. It's a quirky little village full of character. Just when you think it couldn't get any more kitschy, the council introduce an initiative inspired by similar set ups in London, New York & San Fran. The POP-UP PARK!

Ballarat Street between Murray and Canterbury Streets in Yarraville has temporarily closed to traffic for 3 months to create a ‘pop-up park’. The park will open from 1 February until late April and traffic will not be allowed into this area. The park will consist of large planters, synthetic turf, tables, chairs and umbrellas to create a stimulating space in the heart of Yarraville Village for people to come together, relax and enjoy village life.

Traders, community groups and locals have the opportunity to participate by using the space to hold events, create art installations and other activities that will contribute to the activation of the park. If you have a great idea of something you would like to do or see in the space, let the council know! (http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au)

The project aims to:
Encourage community pride in public spaces
Reduce traffic and noise
Ease pedestrian movement around shops
Create a place for people - not cars
Increase public life in the village

The park will redefine the road as public space giving pedestrians the chance to enjoy the outdoors in the heart of an urban environment that was previously occupied by cars. Locals can drop by for a coffee, read a book, have lunch with friends or enjoy an ice-cream in the sun before a movie starts. In the future the materials could be re-used for the park to ‘pop-up’ again.

For more information visit the council website:

http://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

Melbourne Laneways Street Art

http://walktoart.com.au/

walk to art is an intimate, behind the scenes tour that takes you to street art and art in artist-run spaces, quirky galleries and studios – all hidden in Melbourne's unnamed buildings and laneways. You will walk and talk while learning about Melbourne's remarkable art community.

Gypsy has an 'eye' for street art! She also loves the cobblestone laneways, and often goes for urban walks through Melbourne CBD. Here are some photos from her last urban walk.

Check out walk to art's tours or discover Melbourne's laneways and the amazing displays of street art yourself!  The City of Melbourne began its Laneway Commissions program in 2001. Concepts are regularly sought from artists for a series of contemporary public works. The 2011 Laneway Commissions program runs until March 2012. Further information of where to view these amazing artistic displays is available from the City of Melbourne weblink below!

photo courtesy of the City of Melbourne

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/ArtsandEvents/Pages/Lanewaycommissions.aspx