Lead On’s “Take Back the Streets” project aims to create positive engagement with public space for all members of the Ballarat community and its visitors, with a focus on youth participation.

As part of the project, youths aged 12 to 25 – including graffiti offenders referred by Victoria Police – will work alongside professional artists to develop a design concept for designated public spaces.

Possible designs will be submitted to a steering committee, then if approved, will be painted onto boards and attached to designated areas, or painted directly onto public surfaces.

Lead On chief executive officer Vicki Coltman urged those interested in joining “Take Back the Streets” to attend the first meeting next week.

“We have having a meeting on February 8 to talk to interested artists, youth workers and organisations who would like to be part of the project,” she said.

“At this stage we are looking for a major sponsor and young people who would like to be involved.”

Lead On expect the individual projects to last 3-4 months, covering initial meetings, concept design, approval and painting and installation of artwork.

However, it’s intended “Take Back the Streets” will be an ongoing project over two to three years, with a number of teams working on artworks for different spaces at any one time. The stated outcomes of the project include taking art “out of the galleries and onto the streets”, along with engaging youth and reducing graffiti levels.

People aged 12-25 with an interest in graffiti art, stencil art or indigenous art are encouraged to become part of the project.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 8 from 10.30am in the conference room at the Ballarat Learning Exchange, on Camp street.