Graffiti lessons for kids

As part of the Art & About Sydney festival, the Project Five Kids' Urban Art Workshops will be held at Darling Quarter during the September holidays. Sydney artists will help children aged five to 15 embrace their inner Banksy and learn different techniques to create street art.

Photographer-turned-street artist Mandy Schoene-Salter will run the workshops, facilitated by aMBUSH Gallery, which teach kids a variety of street-art styles, including graffiti, paste-ups and stencils. There will be a giant canvas on the ground for participants to practice on, and each child will also have a chance to make their own canvas which they can take home.

Ms Schoene-Salter said street art had evolved from being perceived as vandalism, to being recognised as an art form. "It is accessible, I like the fact you can just walk past and you can't miss it," she said.

Ms Schoene-Salter believes the fun and colourful nature of street art appeals to kids. She said the popular workshops, which are now in their third year, would suit both novices, and aspiring young street artists who are keen to further develop their personal style.

But children will be reminded they can't just spray graffiti anywhere they want, and they must be mindful of the messages they're communicating. "Street art is something about yourself that you share with everyone else," Ms Schoene-Salter said. "It's very public, so you've got to be aware of what you're putting out there and try and make it really nice. If it puts a smile on someone else's face, that's great."

City of Sydney creative producer Stephen Gilby said the street-art workshop was one of many Art & About events that enabled children to get involved in the festival. "Art & About has something for everyone, no matter your interests, age or background," he said.

The Kids' Urban Art Workshops will be held on the Village Green North at Darling Quarter from 11am - 2pm on September 22 - 24 and September 29 - October 1.