Young creatives across Perth are turning blank walls into bold works of art through the DRIP Program, a free urban art initiative delivered by The Y WA at Y HQ in Leederville.
Y HQ aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for young people to explore their creativity under the guidance of qualified youth workers.
DRIP is a free drop-in outdoor painting workshop for young people aged 12 to 25, giving them a chance to develop spray-painting and large-scale brush skills with professional urban artist Nelson Mondlane.
Walls, paint and lunch are provided, with participants only needing to register and bring a sketch or reference to go off.
One participant has even graduated in the top 10 per cent of ATAR Arts students in WA and exhibited work in the PULSE exhibition, which showcases the State’s top Year 12 artworks.
He later held a solo exhibition at Y HQ, selling all 22 artworks on opening night, and has even been commissioned for graphic design work with the Perth Bears.
Another former participant, Oli, who attended DRIP between 2020 and 2023, is now a professional mural artist based in London, travelling across Europe to create works for festivals, businesses and communities.
In 2025, three participants over 18 were invited to exhibit in Perth’s largest graffiti exhibition, ‘SAVA: Graff.0’, initiated by Mondlane, with two artists selling their work.
Three DRIP artists were also selected to exhibit at RAC Arena in collaboration with SAVA Art and The Salvation Army for a youth exhibition.
Camera IconNelson Mondlane, Y HQ visual arts program officer and creator of DRIP. Credit: Tegan Taudigani
Mondlane, who is a Y HQ visual arts program officer and creator of DRIP, said the program continued to exceed expectations.
“Recently, five standout participants designed and painted one of the largest murals ever completed at the Y HQ — conceptualising the artwork, selecting materials and executing the piece from start to finish at a professional level,” he said.
“I guided them along the way, but this is the first time a group of DRIP participants has painted a mural at this scale and at a truly professional level. Watching their confidence and capability grow through this program has been incredible.”
Eighteen-year-old Hunter Lyons has been attending the program for more than a year and said it had become a key part of his routine.
Hunter said he first discovered DRIP through friends and quickly found a sense of community.
“So many people come down here and I’ve made heaps of friends. I’ve learnt so much about painting. And obviously, it’s legal and free, so it keeps people from away from crime,” he said.
Camera IconHunter and Nelson at Y HQ in Leederville. Credit: Tegan Taudigani
“Nelson runs the program and he is brilliant, just amazing. He is a genuine good bloke and he helps with everyone, running the program really well. I don’t think I’d want anyone else to run it.”
Hunter said he hopes to see the program grow in the future.
“I’d love to see some more funding for the program, so we can do it more often. Because the more times we can do it, the better everyone gets, the more fun, and more times we get to see each other as well,” he said.
“There are a lot of people here that I only get to see and hang out with at DRIP.”
Y WA CEO Dr Tim McDonald said the initiative was breaking down barriers for young people.
“DRIP is a brilliant example of how a free youth initiative can unlock extraordinary potential,” he said.
“By removing financial barriers and providing professional mentorship, we’re creating real opportunities for young people to build skills, confidence and pathways into creative careers.
“It’s inspiring to see the calibre of talent emerging from this program and the impact it’s having across our community.”
The program runs on the second Saturday each month from 10am to 2pm, with 10 sessions held between August and May.
Places are limited to 15 to 20 participants per session; people aged 12 to 25 can register.
The program is supported by Healthway.