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Homeless and disadvantaged Melburnians are finding their inner ‘Banksy’ through stencil art workshops run by not for profit organisation Youth Projects in their Hosier Lane site, the Living Room.

Youth Projects has been a resident of Hosier Lane, where the iconic Banksy rat was recently painted over, since 2004 and have developed an art project called the Living Wall for its disadvantaged and often homeless clients, funded by Arts Victoria.

Youth Projects Chairperson Melanie Raymond says City of Melbourne have been supportive of the Living Wall which was developed to provide therapeutic care to clients.

“Art therapy is a really effective way of boosting esteem and a sense of pride and ownership within our clients. We thought this kind of project was extremely appropriate given our location in this iconic street art laneway. And our clients love it.

“Hosier Lane is always thriving and a buzz with tourists, wedding photo shoots and filming – it’s definitely the street art that has created this vibe.”

Weekly art workshops are held at the Youth Projects Living Room, facilitated by artist and art therapist, Nerina Lascelles and Melbourne based street artist Tuvsday.

Workshop participants have said the art workshops not only give them something to do, but also something to feel proud of.

“Usually I would just be hanging around with not much else to do so I decided to just join in. Being able to see what I have made on the Living Room wall is awesome.”

The art workshops take place every Thursday afternoon in the Youth Projects Living Room 7-9 Hosier Lane. The Living Wall is due to be launched in June.