Legal Graffiti and Beautiful Street Art
January 8, 2010 | Francis Nicholls-Wunder![Berlin to Amsterdam 153 [640x480]](http://www.studentsineurope.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Berlin-to-Amsterdam-153-640x480-225x300.jpg)
Graffiti is illegal in many places and considered a problem in many more. By and large the major issue with graffiti is with the ‘tagging’ and quick, relatively uncreative pieces that can be seen plaguing public walkways and private properties alike. Graffiti is very hard to control and councils and governments around the world are continually coming up with new ideas to try and tackle the problem.
Ghent, a student town in Belgium, has come up with a way to lessen the impact of graffiti while at the same time creating an intriguing tourist attraction. Right near the centre of town there is a long, winding alleyway where graffiti has been legalised. The result is a lot of impressive works and an ever-changing set of art that makes for a great walk and also helps to reduce the impact of graffiti elsewhere in the city.
Werregarenstraat is the name of the famous street so be sure to check it out as you pass through this student hub of Belgium.
I noticed this in several cities in Europe. Especially prominent was the graffiti all over Copenhagen. It seemed like the entire city had embraced the presence of the tagging and, at first it was off putting, but after a couple of days there, it seemed only to add to the ambiance of the city. Interesting what Ghent has done with the legal street. I bet it makes for some wild artwork!
Check out the laneways of melbourne in Australia too. They are fabulous.