Keith Haring Mural
History
New York-based Keith Haring, who died in 1990, visited Australia in 1984 where he undertook art projects in Melbourne and Sydney. His mural at the then Collingwood Technical School on Johnston St is one of only 31 known murals across the world that have survived to this day.
The mural on the side of the former Collingwood TAFE building is an important legacy for the Victorian community.
Conservation Management Plan
Arts Victoria commissioned Melbourne conservation and architecture firm RBA Consultants to prepare a Conservation Management Plan.
The Plan recommends stabilisations works, cleaning and selective retouching in order to prevent further deterioration and bring back its visibility and vitality.
The plan proposes the most responsible course of action to ensure this artistic legacy is retained for the future. To view the Conservation Management Plan in full, please download it here:
Key Findings and Recommended Actions:
- Urgent preliminary works such as the removal of overhead electrical wiring and parking bollards surrounding the site.
- The appointment of specialist conservators to undertake cleaning works, specialist retouching and the application of a protective coating to defend against UV damage.
- The report found that a fresh coat of paint would bond to the unstable existing layer and there was a danger that over time this will lead to peeling, which will take the original layer away completely and irreparably.
- Should appropriate materials become available in the future, then over-painting would be possible and will be considered.
- The process set out in the Conservation Management will allow for testing to ensure that the treatment suits the unique condition of the mural and the harsh Australian environment.
Mural in the Media
Listen to an interesting debate about the future of the Keith Haring mural on ABC's Radio National Program: Books and Arts Daily: 'Controversy over Keith Haring' Podcast.
Next Steps - Heritage Victoria Permit and Protection Works
Arts Victoria has submitted an application to Heritage Victoria for a permit to undertake the works on the mural site.
As part of this permit process, Heritage Victoria welcomes community feedback on the proposal. The permit application and associated documentation can be found on the Heritage Victoria website.
Part of the Collingwood site is to become a new home for Circus Oz. Construction work has recently commenced on this project and as a result a protective hoarding has been erected around the mural. This will safeguard the mural during the works but unfortunately means that it is not visible to the public at this time. Arts Victoria has commissioned a high resolution photograph of the mural in its current state which can be viewed here:
Should you have any further questions please contact:
Christopher Dupé, Senior Manager, Cultural Infrastructure, Arts Victoria at Christopher.Dupe@dpc.vic.gov.au
or
Jessica Hochberg, Project Officer, Cultural Infrastructure, Arts Victoria at Jessica.Hochberg@dpc.vic.gov.au.