Co-creation vs Vandalism?

In this series of articles I will put forward the proposition that reducing graffiti and vandalism would best be accomplished by involving whole communities in devising their own unique solution to the problem. I would also argue that projects designed to do this could be seen as fun ...almost like a puzzle to be solved...or a challenge to the ingenuity of the people involved. In this manner practical and inspiring initiatives could evolve.

I am seeking stories about communities that have devised local schemes to improve the environment and who have prevented or minimised graffiti and vandalism in new or unusual ways. These creative solutions seem to depend on groups finding the right formula, or package of measures, such as

• police or neighbourhood watch presence,
• electronic surveillance,
• quick and effective clean-ups,
• education campaigns,
• restrictions on the implements often used by enthusiastic artists (such as spray cans) or tools,
• and programs and activities that prove more attractive to young or disenfranchised people than bombing trains, hanging around railway stations or ruining art projects.

A response becoming more common - and one that seems to be successful with some artists at least - is mounting programs, which take graffitists' artistic aspirations seriously and offer them a legal outlet for their art. Do you know of any programs like this that may be of interest? If so please email me jo@busywomen.com.au with suggestions.

It also seems that in combination with upgraded Neighbourhood Watch Programs are projects, which encourage better use of facilities. This approach ensures that the areas do not look so out of the way and abandoned. This of course is even better if the project encourages people who otherwise may have been inclined to vandalise areas to become involved and value the area instead.

It is of course also very important when planning projects not to create unwanted side effects. This kind of thing can happen when deterrent measures actually dare or invite further dare devil antics.........such as scaling high fences. Imagine this headline .... "TAG writer bungy jumps while spraying over an intricate mural from an upside down position whilst keeping duck billed cap on!!" Sometimes we encourage creative kids work even harder to find ways to make their mark or "TAG" certain kinds of vandal proof surfaces. Humorous stories about deterrents gone awry are most welcome!

How about we as an online community pool our resources and come up with some good ideas to channel positive energy and feedback to our (perhaps) young, over eager protagonists so that we all feel empowered to be creative in a positive and reinforcing environment?

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