BACKGROUND

​

Residents for Victoria Street Drug Solutions (RVSDS) campaigned successfully for the establishment of a trial Medically Supervised Injecting Room (MSIR) in 2016/2017 (learn more here). After the life-saving health service opened in June 2018, RVSDS continued to advocate for improved public amenity in North Richmond and South Abbotsford. Victoria Street Alive! became RVSDS’ signature project that aimed to deliver renewal in the North Richmond precinct, bound by Hoddle, Church, Highett and Langridge Streets.

​

Victoria Street Alive!

​

In July 2021, Victoria Street Alive! received a twelve-month grant through the state government’s North Richmond Precinct Project funding round. Co-managed by RVSDS leaders Judy Ryan and Greg Hordacre, Victoria Street Alive! successfully implemented a photographic exhibition of community champions and a complementary street art installation. A Makers’ Market brought together local artisans and musicians, reinvigorating Victoria Street.

​

Three Victoria Street Alive! events took place in June 2022 in the Richmond/Abbotsford precinct:  

• My Community art exhibition at The Hive

• second Makers Market at Abbots Yard 

• installation of street posters designed by our younger residents in workshops held on the Richmond Housing Estate throughout May

​

ART EXHIBITION​

 

Victoria Street Alive! opened the inaugural MSIR Artists Exhibition - My Community – on Friday, 3 June.

​

The exhibition marked the end of a successful year of community activations by Victoria Street Alive!, a project established by Residents for Victoria Street Drug Solutions Inc. in 2018.

​

The objective of Victoria Street Alive! has been to amplify the voices and achievements of youth, artists and creators, and the disadvantaged, through a program of arts and cultural events and activities.  

​

People who visit the MSIR are assisted to reduce the harms of injecting and are offered a range of clinical and social supports that are tailored to each client. This provides clients the opportunity to create art while at the centre.

​

My Community exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase the artwork.

​

Artwork was offered for sale by silent auction with proceeds going directly to the artist. All seventy-plus pieces sold.

​

SUPPORT FROM OUR COMMUNITY

 

The MSIR Artists Exhibition received immeasurable support from Victoria Street Alive! partners North Richmond Community Health and the Medically Supervised Injecting Room.

​

The MSIR Artists Exhibition also brought together key local stakeholders from local businesses and harm-reduction and health services’ organisations, fostering renewal in the precinct through this artistic and cultural installation.

​