A survey is being conducted by a team of Top End youth to gauge public perceptions and examine the effectiveness of current approaches to preventing illegal graffiti and creating street art.
The results of the survey 'Graffiti and Street Art: What do you think?' will be presented in a report to the Minister for Young Territorians, Hon Gerry McCarthy, in December 2009. The Northern Territory Government is sponsoring the survey as part of the Round Table of Young Territorians, a direct communication between youth and government.
Coordinated by the Department of Health and Families Office of Youth Affairs (OYA), the survey will direct policy on educating young graffitists and communities, deterring vandalism, and brightening up public space. Interviews with community members are also a part of the project.
"We are out to resolve the debate as to whether graffiti is vandalism or public art," said Graffiti Team leader Elise Moo, 16, of Darwin.
"Round Table members are concerned with the proliferation of graffiti in their communities, but also know young people who are involved in graffiti and street art. This survey is all about trying to achieve a balance between the two."
Ms Moo added, "Young people, especially young graffiti artists, are not fairly represented in the debate and we are determined to make their voice heard."
Survey questions include whether zero tolerance can be an effective approach in deterring graffiti, and if there should be more legal spaces for graffiti.
The Graffiti Team includes Felicity Wardle, 23, of Darwin; Justin Heim, 16, and Ethan Woods-Alum, 16, of Katherine; and Sharah Lyons, 16, of Palmerston.
To have your say, go to the OYA homepage www.youth.nt.gov.au before 21 August.