Getting in touch about Melbourne's laneways and arts

Laneway Notes is an independent journal, and much of what ends up on these pages starts with a message from a reader. If you have spotted a new mural on a laneway wall, heard about a small gallery opening in Collingwood or Fitzroy, or found a quiet arcade café worth a detour, we would like to hear about it. Tips are most useful when they include the street or laneway name, roughly when you saw the work or attended the event, and what made it stand out.

What we can and can't help with

We write about the city's laneways, arts precincts and days out from the perspective of people who walk them. We are not a venue, a ticketing service or a tourism authority, so we can't book tables, sell tickets or confirm opening hours on anyone's behalf. For those details, the official website or social channels of the gallery, theatre or event organiser are always the best source, as programmes and hours change often.

We are happy to receive:

  • Corrections, if something we've written about a laneway or venue is out of date
  • Suggestions for walks, precincts or neighbourhoods we haven't covered yet
  • News from artists, small galleries and community arts groups about upcoming shows
  • Your own experiences of a day out, including what worked and what you'd do differently

Before you write

It can help to browse what we have already covered. The Laneways Guide collects our walking notes on the CBD's lanes and arcades, while Places gathers the galleries, bars and spaces we've visited. Older pieces live in the archive, so you can check whether a spot has already been written up before sending it in.

Street art in particular changes quickly: walls are repainted, pieces fade and new ones appear within weeks. Photos with a date attached are welcome, as they help us keep a more honest record of how these lanes evolve over time.