Art of escapism: Discover public artwork right outside your door

Many people across Maroondah are missing the wonderful mix of arts and cultural experiences our city normally offers. Although we may be confined to our homes during protracted lockdown measures, recreational exercise is one of the few reasons we can get out and about and there are ways that you can combine this with the pleasure of enjoying art outdoors.

If you’re looking for new options to enliven your walks and bike rides, Maroondah is filled with interesting and delightful art attractions – perfect for unleashing the imagination and appreciating some of our beautiful outdoor spaces.

View the interactive map showcasing various murals, sculptures and street art that can be found across our city.

From William Ercholtz’s eye-catching Mullum Mullum the Owl sculpture located along the Mullum Mullum Creek Trail in Ringwood, Heritage Tree Sculptures created by Rod Jones and Kevin Gilder together with the community at Maroondah Federation Estate, and street art wings of Roger Archbold and Andy Drewitt’s wall mural The Fruit Thief, there is a whole lot to be discovered on your doorstep and just a few steps beyond.

By simply keying in your suburb in the map search, residents can learn about the various public artworks in their area as well as background information about the art and artists.

Maroondah is well known for its love of art and culture, and a walk around various parts of our city can be rich with visual experiences of public artworks and street art – in our nature reserves, our laneways and on our buildings.

Access to many arts and cultural experiences like our galleries and performance spaces have been impacted by COVID-19, but these outdoor artworks are a great way for residents to enjoy some stimulating and inspiring creativity.

Building cultural encounters into everyday experiences can provide moments of joy, calm, imagination and escapism. It can also be a fun and educational way to engage children in art.

Under revised stage 4 restrictions enforced throughout metropolitan Melbourne from 11.59pm on Sunday 13 September, two people or a household can meet outdoors for a maximum of 2 hours for social interaction, exercise or recreation, so long as they remain within a 5km radius of home.

Residents are reminded to wear a face mask and practise safe social distancing when in public areas.

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