QV&A: Artist Mitch Walder
‘Sail Yards’ Mural artist Mitch Walder
The laneways at QV are always an intriguing place to explore – where you can find vibrant street art amid bustling eateries and enticing fashion finds. Enter Jane Bell Lane to discover an incredible 18 metre high mural by multidisciplinary visual artist Mitch Walder - ‘Sail Yards’ - a hand-painted homage to the history of QV and the Melbourne skating scene. We spoke to Mitch about the awe-inspiring piece and his creative process behind bringing it to life.
Tell us a little about yourself as an artist, and the type of work you create.
I'm a visual artist who's been honing my craft for over 10 years. I love experimenting, pushing my ideas, and making work that connects with people in different ways. My style derives from early childhood drawings I made as a kid - what started as an obsession with filling every inch of the page with characters and ideas has grown into something bigger. That early visual drive opened the door to other mediums like mural painting, digital design, and animation.
Can you tell us a little about how 'Sail Yards' pays homage to the QV site's history?
The QV precinct site holds a rich history that’s deeply connected to Melbourne CBD’s cultural heritage. It was once home to the Queen Victoria Hospital, known for its birthing suite and wider focus on women’s health. Years after the hospital buildings were demolished, a concrete slab remained. Over time, the city - already a central meeting point for young people from all over greater Melbourne - saw this space gradually taken over by curious, creative minds who used it to test their limits through skateboarding and street culture.
As the spot grew in popularity, with DIY ramps becoming more ambitious and inventive, the City of Melbourne stepped in - partnering with the YMCA to officially recognise the space as the Sail Yards. Though its time was short, the skate park welcomed everyone. It became a hub for international pros, local legends, and young people honing their skills.
This moment of youth-led innovation and intuition became the inspiration for the mural’s concept and composition, with the hospital featured prominently as a nod to the site’s layered and meaningful past.
How did you decide on the direction for this piece?
The direction for this piece really came together after listening to a podcast that featured interviews with skaters who were a big part of the Sail Yards scene. Hearing their stories and memories gave me a clearer picture of what made the space so special - it was super inspiring and helped shape a list of elements to include in the mural.
The long shape of the wall naturally lent itself to the ‘runway’ concept, which worked well for weaving in those iconic moments and placing the crowd in a way that felt intentional. The skater soaring over the empty street seat adds to that perspective, capturing a moment of glory and celebrating everything that makes skateboarding such a powerful part of street culture.
Can you share how this mural came to life?
I started the mural from the top and worked my way down - it just made sense in terms of flow and making sure I could focus on the more detailed areas as I went. There were heaps of interactions while I was painting, everyone was really positive and encouraging. It was great to chat with people passing through, whether they were curious about the process or just wanted to say something nice. The support definitely added to the whole experience.
How do you want people to feel when they see your artwork at QV?
While I was painting the mural, I noticed how the colours shifted with the light throughout the day, it gave the laneway a different feel depending on the time. I hope that when people see it, they experience that same sense of change and discovery. They’ll notice something new each time they look.
What do you love about Melbourne?
There’s so much I love about Melbourne, it’s home. I’ve made a lot of special memories here, so getting to have a mural in such a prominent spot in the city really means a lot.
