A Powerful Mural Removed Due to Building Renovations
A memorial in Melbourne’s Hosier Lane, known for its vibrant street art, has been taken down due to ongoing renovations at the Forum theatre. The “She Matters” mural, which featured the faces of over 200 Australian women allegedly murdered or who died as a result of male violence, was removed as part of these works.
The mural was established on International Women’s Day in 2024 and had been maintained by the Red Hearts Campaign and Sherele Moody, founder of Australian Femicide Watch. Ms. Moody expressed her deep sadness upon witnessing the removal of the artwork, describing it as “heartbroken” and “absolutely crushed.”
“I’d actually gone down to hang the 204th woman on the mural killed since January 1, 2025, and they had totally annihilated it,” she said.
Marriner Group, which owns and operates the Forum Melbourne, explained that the exterior building work required moving to the side of the building facing Hosier Lane. A spokesperson for the group stated that while Hosier Lane is an evolving space where street art comes and goes, poster installations are not permitted.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece mentioned that the city was made aware last week that materials used to maintain the mural were blocking emergency exits to the Forum, posing a significant safety risk. He added that the restoration of the theatre involves operational and heritage considerations that need to be addressed.
Council Seeks a New Home for She Matters
The Marriner Group spokesperson noted that they had informed the artist in advance, giving them an opportunity to move or document the installation further. They acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and the significance of the installation.
Mr. Reece emphasized that the City of Melbourne would collaborate with the mural’s artists to find a new home for She Matters. He described the mural as a powerful reminder of the issue of violence against women and one of the most impactful artworks on Hosier Lane.
“It would be extremely disappointing if it was permanently removed,” he said.
A 2024 heritage report highlighted that parts of the Forum’s facade were at risk of collapse, necessitating urgent work for public protection. The duration of these works remains undefined, according to the Marriner Group spokesperson.
The Forum theatre, which first opened in 1929, was once the largest seating capacity of any theatre in Australia. Its history and cultural significance make the removal of the “She Matters” mural a deeply emotional event for many in the community.
