Melbourne Residents Speak Out on Duplicate Image Replacement Issue

A growing number of Melbourne residents are speaking out about the issue of duplicate image replacement, where identical or near-identical images are displayed in public spaces, often without context or explanation.

The issue has gained significant attention in recent months, particularly in light of the city's efforts to promote itself as a vibrant and culturally rich arts capital. With the Victorian government's focus on supporting local artists and creative industries, the presence of duplicate images in public spaces has raised questions about the value and authenticity of the art on display. The City of Melbourne's laneway art program, which has been running since 2013, has been particularly affected by the issue, with many residents expressing disappointment and frustration at the lack of originality and creativity in the artworks being displayed.

In Melbourne's inner-city neighbourhoods, such as Fitzroy and Collingwood, the problem is particularly pronounced. On Gertrude Street, for example, multiple instances of identical street art have been spotted, while on Smith Street, duplicate images have been displayed in shop windows and on building facades. The Melbourne Street Art Walking Tour, which takes visitors through the city's laneways and arcades, has also been affected, with many tour participants expressing disappointment at the lack of original artwork on display. The tour, which is run by the Melbourne Tourism Board, typically costs $60 per person and runs for 2 hours, but many participants have reported feeling ripped off by the lack of authentic art on display.

Understanding the Issue

According to data from the City of Melbourne, the number of reported instances of duplicate image replacement has increased by 25% in the past year, with 150 cases reported in the 2025-2026 financial year. The cost of removing and replacing the duplicate images is estimated to be around $10,000 per instance, which is funded by the City of Melbourne's annual budget. The Melbourne Arts Council, which provides funding and support to local artists, has also reported a significant increase in the number of applications from artists seeking to display their work in public spaces, with 500 applications received in the past year alone. However, the council has limited funding and resources, and is only able to support a small number of artists each year.

As the issue continues to affect Melbourne's public spaces, residents are calling for greater action to be taken to address the problem. The Victorian government has announced plans to increase funding for the Melbourne Arts Council, which will provide more opportunities for local artists to display their work in public spaces. Additionally, the City of Melbourne has launched a new initiative to promote original and authentic street art, which includes a series of workshops and training programs for local artists. The initiative, which is being run in partnership with the Melbourne Street Art Walking Tour, aims to provide artists with the skills and knowledge they need to create high-quality, original artworks that reflect the city's vibrant and diverse culture.