Street Art vs. Rules: Does Permission Matter?
5 mins read
Street art by Natasha Awuku ©Natasha Awuku
As an artist and street artist, I’m often asked about my work: How long does it take to complete a piece? Where can people find it?
But one question always stands out: “Did you have permission?”
This question always feels loaded. It feels like I’m being scrutinised by a school teacher or quizzed by a concerned auntie.
Despite my feelings, I’ll reframe this question by exploring the nuances of street art, permission, and legality.
The terms street art, graffiti, and murals have different meanings, but in this article I’ll use them interchangeably to make broader points about public artistic expression.
But first a disclaimer: I don’t advocate breaking the law and please always follow the rules in your country.
What Difference Does Permission Make?
Keith Haring drawing in a New York subway ©Fair use
By the time the question is asked, the artwork is already there—vibrant and alive in the urban landscape. Whether the artist had permission to paint doesn’t change the fact that the art now exists.
That said, I understand that a backstory can alter how we perceive something. For example:
Keith Haring’s Subway Drawings: His chalk artworks on blank advertising panels in New York’s subways were technically illegal graffiti but celebrated for their simplicity and social messages.
When someone admires a piece and then asks, “Did you have permission?”, it often reveals a deeper respect for rules than for the art itself.
Should legality overshadow the creativity and impact of street art?
Graffiti Laws and Public Art
We break minor laws all the time, often without realising it. For instance:
If you picked up a coin from the street, that is technically theft.
Going over the speed limit breaks traffic laws.
Remember when you took home a few sheets from the office photocopier without asking? That was illegal.
And there you are… a criminal. Obviously I’m joking.
But seriously, these small acts illustrate the fine line between respecting and bending rules. In street art, that line becomes a spectrum.
We can all agree that painting on war memorials or religious spaces is seriously disrespectful. But painting on abandoned buildings, hoardings, and derelict spaces… well, that could be debatable. Especially in areas that are already covered with multiple layers of graffiti.
Permission For Famous Artists
Girl with a Balloon by Banksy ©Fair use
I think it’s fair to say that society has a double standard when it comes to relaxing laws for artists with fame or wealth.
Banksy, arguably the world’s most famous street artist, operates anonymously, often without explicit permission. Yet works like ‘Girl with a Balloon’ are celebrated globally. Very few ever ask, “Did he have permission?”
It shows how society often relaxes laws for people with money and fame—not just artists. I’m sure many books have been written about this.
These are the kinds of questions we need to ask to protect our collective artistic culture: Why do we celebrate Banksy’s work but dismiss lesser-known graffiti artists as vandals?
The Realities of Getting Permission
Street art by David Speed Image credit: Natasha Awuku
In an ideal world, an artist would find a wall, contact the owner, get permission, and start painting. In reality, it’s rarely that simple:
Ownership Ambiguities: You’d be surprised at how many people renting a space don’t know who owns the wall.
Delayed Responses: Even if you find the owner and get their contact details, just getting a response is like pulling teeth.
Red Tape: Sometimes permission involves bureaucratic Olympics. Yes… really.
Here’s and example of how long-winded things can get:
I once called up a construction company about painting on their hoarding. It took a while for the owner to understand that permission is all I wanted. My guess is most people don’t bother asking.
Once he understood what I wanted, he agreed. But here’s the thing; I needed written consent (to help art funding application). He wasn’t going to do that because… he was a total technophobe. Emails, computers and tech were about as alien to him as… well, an alien.
I even offered to draft the letter for him—he only had to sign—but even that was too much. Eventually, he said, “Paint what you like mate —I’m fine with it,” and hung up the phone.
Did I have permission..? Yes! Could I prove it..? No.
Final Thoughts
Street art by the SMO Crew Image credit: Natasha Awuku
For large-scale murals or intricate artworks, permission is typically required. For graffiti on derelict areas, it’s less likely—but does that make it inherently wrong?
Instead of fixating on whether a piece is “legal,” or not, consider its impact. Does it provoke thought, beautify the area, or tell a story?
Street art reflects the pulse of urban life, whether it’s a vibrant mural or a raw graffiti tag. It can add character, creativity, and social commentary to urban areas. Others would argue it contributes to urban decay or reduces property values. Both perspectives deserve consideration.
And to those who are sticklers for rules, before asking, 'Did the artist have permission?' first ask, 'What does this piece add to the world around it?
