LIGHT AND ART FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION 12 - 27 APRIL 2019 - Zoos Victoria

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LIGHT AND ART FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION 12 - 27 APRIL 2019 - Zoos Victoria
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LIGHT AND ART FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION 12 - 27 APRIL 2019 - Zoos Victoria
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                                                                                                                              Meet the Curator

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                                                                                                                              Design and curation of the inaugural Neon
                                                                                                                              Playground is brought to you by Additive.

                                                                                                                              With 60 years combined experience as
                                                                                                                              lighting designers working across the
                                                                                                                              globe, Paul Lim, Ben “Bosco” Shaw and
                                                                                                                              Tom Wright joined forces to form Additive.
                                                                                                                              Delivering spectacular and innovative
                                                                                                                              designs for large scale public projects, their
                                                                                                                              work has captivated audiences at the NRL
    Melbourne Zoo illuminates this                  their installations from this tiny fighter.
                                                                                                                              Grand Final, ACRA Awards, Dark MOFO
    April as Neon Playground lights                 Tragically the threatened frog is in need of
                                                                                                                              and MONA FOMA. Their portfolio spans
    up for the very first time over                 your help due to a fatal disease wiping out
                                                                                                                              ground-breaking installations, including the
    16 spectacular nights.                          frog populations globally. Melbourne Zoo
                                                                                                                              Brain Sculpture (for Monash Brain Park)
                                                    is working with a number of partners with
                                                                                                                              and acclaimed productions, with Stephanie
    Each night after dark the Zoo will transform    high hopes to recover the species teetering
                                                                                                                              Lake Company, Lucy Guerin Inc and Arena
    with stunning light displays, projections,      on the brink of the extinction. Zoo experts
                                                                                                                              Theatre Company. With a versatile, creative
    contemporary art installations, interactive     have been busy breeding the Southern
                                                                                                                              approach, Additive provides elegant
    performances and more.                          Corroboree Frogs in custom built facilities
                                                                                                                              technical solutions for complex activations,
                                                    and have contributed to wild releases on
    Bringing Melbourne's vibrant culture to the                                                                               festivals, concerts, productions and events.
                                                    Mt Kosciusko.
    lush grounds of the Zoo, Neon Playground                                                                                  Additive is proud to partner with Melbourne
    celebrates a showcase of some of the best       The frogs would like to thank you for
                                                                                                                              Zoo on the inaugural Neon Playground
    local light and visual artists and designers.   purchasing a ticket to Neon Playground!
                                                                                                                              to combine their passion for design with
    And the best part, all proceeds contribute                                                                                their interest in raising awareness about
    to the conservation of the critically                                                                                     Australia's endangered species.
    endangered Southern Corroboree Frog. The
    vibrantly patterned alpine amphibian is the
    perfect ambassador for the bold event, with
    many artists drawing their inspiration for

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LIGHT AND ART FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION 12 - 27 APRIL 2019 - Zoos Victoria
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    Southern Corroboree Frog                        Why save the frog?                               "It is hard to believe that we have some of the rarest species that
    Zoos Victoria is a not-for-profit               At Zoos Victoria we care because it takes        are on the brink of extinction in our own backyard and most of
    conservation organisation that, with your       courage to fight apathy and extinction. We       us don’t even realise. I’m proud to be part of a world leading
    generous support, is working to secure a        care because we believe every animal is          zoo-based conservation organisation and as Melbourne Zoo's
    future rich in wildlife.                        valuable, and has a delicate and complex         Amphibian Specialist I feel I am on the frontline for ‘Fighting

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                                                    role to play in maintaining a healthy, secure,
    All proceeds from Neon Playground                                                                Extinction’. My main focus is the captive management of an
                                                    and wondrous ecosystem.
    help Zoos Victoria save the critically                                                           insurance population of Southern Corroboree Frogs. The biggest
    endangered Southern Corroboree Frog.            Best identified by its striking yellow and       highlight of my role is successfully breeding them in captivity
    There are estimated to be less than 100         black stripes, the Southern Corroboree
                                                                                                     and then taking the eggs back to Mt Kosciusko and releasing
    individuals left in the wild, which is why      Frog exists only in sub-alpine areas of
    this colourful species is one of the 21 local   Mt Kosciusko National Park. Classified
                                                                                                     them into the wild, with the hope to save Australia’s most
    threatened species Zoos Victoria is saving      as Critically Endangered, the species            endangered frog species.”
    from extinction.                                is under serious threat of extinction            Damian Goodall, Reptile Keeper
                                                    due to Chytridiomycosis, the deadly              Invertebrates & Education, Melbourne Zoo
                                                    ‘Amphibian Chytrid Fungus’ decimating frog
                                                    populations around the world.

                                                    Zoos Victoria has been a dedicated
                                                                                                     “I’ll never forget the day when I found the first ever clutch of
                                                    champion for the Southern Corroboree Frog
                                                    since 2001. As an integral member of the
                                                                                                     captive bred Southern Corroboree Frog at Melbourne Zoo back in
                                                    national recovery team, Zoos Victoria has        2006! 42 eggs from 2 females. It was the most amazing feeling,
                                                    made significant contributions towards the       indescribable really. It was like “Yes! We can do it!” Ever since
                                                    survival of the species through effective        that moment I knew that Melbourne Zoo would play a huge role
                                                    captive breeding techniques, improved            in the success of saving this species from extinction. From that
                                                    husbandry, and innovative release programs.
                                                                                                     first clutch to producing over 2000 in one season shows the
                                                                                                     passion and dedication of why we do what we do!”
                                                                                                     Raelene Hobbs, Reptile Keeper
                                                                                                     Invertebrates & Education, Melbourne Zoo

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RAIL GATE

Toilet                   Zoo Edge (RAIL GATE)
Parents Room             Neon Playground
Accessible toilet        Between the Trees
Changing Places toilet   Frog Hollow
                                                        M Pavillion

Food & drink             Waterhole
ATM                      Underwater Avenue
                                                       Carousel Park
Information              Awareness Alley
Drinking water           Relaxoland
                         Guiding Heights
                         Zoo Edge (MAIN GATE)

                                                MAIN GATE
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    Getting Here                                                             Getting Home
    Public transport is your best bet, logistically and environmentally!     Before saying goodnight, check you’ve got all the belongings and
    The Upfield train line stops at Royal Park station, which is right       buddies you brought with you. It can get pretty busy in the carpark
    outside the Zoo’s gates. The 58 tram and 505 bus will also drop you      after the event, so please be patient and mindful of traffic as you
    on our doorstep. Parking is free after 5pm if you do choose to drive.    make your way home.

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    Food and Drink                                                           Weather Policy
    Visit Relaxoland at Carousel Park to rest, reflect and refuel. A hub
                                                                             Rain or shine, the event will go on! Check the forecast before you
    of Melbourne food trucks and bars will serve a selection of delicious
                                                                             head to the Zoo and pack warm clothes and raincoats if you need
    treats and finest local craft beverages. Enjoy the majestic carousel
                                                                             them. In the unlikely event of an emergency, you may be evacuated
    in action, featuring dynamic lighting effects on the underside of its
                                                                             for your safety. Please listen to Zoo staff, who will direct you to
    canopy by Additive.
                                                                             safety in an emergency situation.

    Alcohol
                                                                             The Animals
    We’re a fully licensed venue. There are plenty of beverage options
    on offer at Relaxoland, but BYO alcohol is not permitted.                The event has been designed with the welfare of the animals front
                                                                             of mind; most of the activities and installations are down Main
    Smoking                                                                  Drive as to not impact them. However, as it is the first year of the
                                                                             event, Zoo Keepers and welfare staff will monitor animals for any
    Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside Melbourne Zoo. It’s home
                                                                             changes in behaviour throughout the event period. If any welfare
    to amazing animals, after all! Pass outs are available at the gates if
                                                                             challenges are seen, immediate action will be taken to mitigate
    you do want to duck out for a smoke. Remember to toss your butts
                                                                             the impact if required.
    in the bins provided.
                                                                             Please note, only portions of the Zoo will be open for this event so
    Rubbish                                                                  animal viewing on the night is not guaranteed.

    Help us keep the Zoo tidy for visitors and animals alike by
    chucking your rubbish in the different bins for food waste,
    recycling and general waste. We collect and sort most of your
    rubbish, then mix it with some elephant poo to make the compost
    that feeds the lush gardens around the Zoo. Please use the right
    bins for all your rubbish.

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     Explore the Zoo after dark and embark on a                             Relaxoland
     night of magic, stories and discover an incredible                     Take it all in at the Zoo’s historic Carousel Park, grab something
     array of local artists and their masterpieces.                         from a selection of Melbourne’s food trucks and bars to refuel
     This is what to expect on your journey…                                for the rest of your Neon Playground journey. Take a ride on the
                                                                            majestic carousel, enjoy music and light displays and relax with

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     Zoo Edge                                                               friends and family before embarking on the rest of your adventure.

     The experience will begin from the moment you arrive at the
     entrance to Melbourne Zoo with spectacular large-scale projections     The Waterhole
     lighting up the art deco features of the iconic main gates while       Transport yourself into the world of Graeme Base’s children’s classic
     the rear entrance will be illuminated with a static projection. Both   The Waterhole, where larger than life animals from the Galapagos
     contemporary works are inspired by the Southern and Northern           will be illuminated and brought to life on the Platypus Lawn just
     Corroboree Frogs.                                                      a few footsteps from the Giant Tortoise exhibit. In a world-first
                                                                            performance of the wonder-filled stage adaption featuring puppetry

     Awareness Alley                                                        and projection that will be sure to capture the imagination of kids
                                                                            and adults alike.
     Journey through the mesmerising tunnel of Awareness Alley where
     you will be engulfed by dynamic laser art and sound along the Zoo’s
     historic Main Drive. On the way, learn about our Fighting Extinction   Frog Hollow
     species from a colourful avenue of neon sculptures inspired by         Experience the Reptile House after dark then hit the interactive
     Zoos Victoria’s 21 priority threatened species. At the conclusion of   dancefloor in the nearby Wiggles Frog Disco installation and later
     the alley, encounter an impressive display of twelve beams of light    be prepared to be enlightened on the south end of the Twilights
     piercing the night sky, encircling the iconic zoo roundabout and       Lawn with The Cube. The transparent cube will be brought to life
     golden elephant sculpture.                                             with light and performances within, drawing on inspiration from the
                                                                            surrounding wildlife.

     Guiding Heights
     Take a few steps off the beaten path into the quiet enclave directly   Underwater Avenue
     behind the Zoo’s historic carousel and discover a place for quiet      Take a walk into the darkness and experience a Silent Disco like no
     reflection while enjoying the century-old Moreton Bay Fig Tree         other in the serene surroundings of Wild Sea, the home of seals,
     with its glittering branches illuminated by a series of impressive     penguins, fiddler rays and seahorses. Be transfixed by the moving
     light installations. Be entranced by an exquisite cardboard, light     images featuring local waters and wildlife collected over time by
     and shadows sculptural installation using recyclable materials – a     filmographer Sharee Marris and projected on the impressive display
     thoughtful experience not to be missed.                                in the deep of Wild Sea.

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     Neon Playground
     The feature exhibition of the Neon Playground program will excite
     and delight not only the kids but the kids at heart. Explore the giant
     neon maze inspired by the Southern Corroboree Frog’s distinctive
     yellow and black markings featuring almost 600 meters of LED
     neon suspended from the ground creating a labyrinth of light with
     surprises along the way. Journey through four game stations and
     play your way through the maze to illuminate it as you experience
     one giant glow-in-the-dark hide and seek adventure!

     Between the Trees
     A stunning lighting display will feature lit glass orbs hanging from
     an ancient tree miraculously reacting to visitor proximity through
     sound and light. The work will create an opportunity for you to learn
     about nature and in particular the mycelium, which is the way trees
     communicate through their root system, not unlike the internet.
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     Some of Melbourne’s finest artists have come
     together under the curation of Additive to create
     a captivating array of installations and artworks
     illuminating the first program of
     Neon Playground.
                                                         Zoo Edge

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                                                         Biosynthesis, Kit Webster                      Pengilleyi, Additive
                                                         A luminous biosynthetic morphing display       The towering rear entry stands tall
                                                         of yellow and black projections (inspired      proudly illuminated by a static projection
                                                         by the distinctive striped patterning of the   inspired by the Northern Corroboree Frog,
                                                         critically endangered Southern Corroboree      a distinctive pattern subtly distinguished
                                                         Frog) fluidly evolves across the historic      from the Southern Corroboree Frog in
                                                         gateway of the Zoo. As you walk through        colour only. The entry portal will shine
                                                         this glowing portal which merges light and     a light on your path to help fight wildlife
                                                         form, we invite you to be teleported into      extinction and you will be invited to begin
                                                         the adventure which is Neon Playground.        your Neon Playground adventure.

                                                         Kit Webster's multidisciplinary practice       Additive is responsible for Neon
                                                         transverses sculpture, installation and new    Playground’s design and curation. With
                                                         technology, creating works for festivals,      60 years combined experience as lighting
                                                         exhibitions, performance, architectural and    designers working across the globe, Paul
                                                         commercial projects.                           Lim, Ben “Bosco” Shaw and Tom Wright
                                                                                                        joined forces to form Additive. Delivering
                                                         At the forefront of digital and spatial
                                                                                                        spectacular and innovative designs for
                                                         experimentation, Kit has become known for
                                                                                                        large scale public projects, Additive is
                                                         his hybrid sculptural forms and immersive
                                                                                                        proud to partner with the Zoo on the
                                                         environments enhanced by the vivid play of
                                                                                                        inaugural Neon Playground to combine
                                                         audiovisual multidimensional space.
                                                                                                        their passion for design with their interest
                                                                                                        in raising awareness about Australia's
                                                                                                        endangered species.

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     Awareness Alley

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     Double Beam, Robin Fox                         Neon Nearly Gone, Carla                          Beam Clock, Additive
     Double Beam is the latest in Robin             O’Brien                                          Time, a force that underpins all wildlife
     Fox's series of outdoor AV installations.      Melbourne Visual Artist Carla O'Brien's          conservation efforts. It’s a race against
     Essentially a doubling of the previous         latest and largest neon installation to          the clock to save our endangered animals.
     White Beam project, Double Beam puts           date features Zoos Victoria’s 21 priority        Beam Clock is designed to invoke thought
     two high powered lasers head-to-head           threatened species and their names. These        and reflection on this very concept
     down Awareness Alley at the Zoo. Two           animals are only found in south-eastern          featuring 12 light beams connecting earth
     parallel high powered beams hover above        Australia and are being pushed to the brink      to atmosphere in the familiar arrangement
     the alleyway and periodically activate into    of extinction. O'Brien says, "Besides the        of a clock face.
     sound and light events synchronise             fact that there are very few left in the wild,   Additive is responsible for Neon
     audible and visible electricity. The effects   most of these animals are very hard to           Playground’s design and curation. Learn
     are stunning.                                  actually find and some are as small as your      more about the collective on page 3.
     Robin Fox is a leading Australian              hand or even your thumb. These oversized
     audio-visual artist working across live        neon versions give you a very bright
     performance, composition, exhibitions,         exaggerated idea of what they look like
     public art projects and designs for            and hopefully bring awareness to them and
     contemporary dance. His AV laser works,        their importance in our local nature."
     which synchronise sound and visual             Carla O’Brien’s love for light art began
     electricity in hyper-amplified 3D space        in 2009 when she visited the Burning
     have been performed in over 60 cities          Man festival in Nevada, USA. Using LED
     worldwide to critical acclaim.                 Neon Flex, a revolutionary replacement of
                                                    traditional Glass Neon, she creates awe-
                                                    inspiring neon art installations. Her neon
                                                    Eastern Barred Bandicoots have been a
                                                    feature at the Zoo Twilights concert series
                                                    since 2016.

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     Guiding Heights                                                                                Relaxoland

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     Pop Me Up, Lara Tumak                           Gaia, Additive                                 Additive
     and Tobias Horrocks                             This Moreton Bay Fig is believed to have       Lights, sound and the experience in
     Pop Me Up is an interactive installation        been planted at Melbourne Zoo before, if       Relax-o-land have been brought to
     where you can popup and colour in a little      not during, the Zoo’s inception more than      you by Additive.
     cardboard corroboree frog. Learn some           155 years ago. In Greek mythology Gaia is
     fun facts as you find a place to nestle your    the ancestral mother of all life, the primal
     uniquely patterned creature amongst the         Mother Earth goddess; a mother tree. By
     paper moss. You'll find this compostable        endowing this tree with light the history
     work under the old fig tree.                    of the Zoo and its key goal, caring for the
                                                     environment is illuminated and brought
     Pop Me Up is a collaboration between artist
                                                     to life.
     Lara Tumak and cardboard architect Tobias
     Horrocks. Lara’s creative practice spans        Additive is responsible for Neon
     performance, design and direction. She          Playground’s design and curation.
     enjoys transforming ordinary materials into     Learn more about the collective on page 3.
     extraordinary things. Tobias is an architect.
     His award-winning firm, Fold Theory, designs
     furniture, interiors and installations – all
     made from recyclable cardboard.

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     The Waterhole

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     The Waterhole, Garden of                        John Barcham, Producer                     Graeme Base, Author and                       Elizabeth Walsh, Associate
     the Galapagos                                   John is a highly experienced Arts and      Creative Development                          Producer
                                                     Entertainment Management specialist.
     Garden of the Galapagos brings to life a                                                   Graeme has been writing and illustrating
                                                     Most recently he was General Manager                                                     Elizabeth’s work spans the performing
     section of Australian author Graeme Base's                                                 books for children for over twenty-five
                                                     of The Creature Technology Company,                                                      and visual arts from small to medium
     book, The Waterhole. The book is a global                                                  years, with worldwide bestsellers Animalia,
                                                     the world's most successful creator of                                                   size companies to major centres for the
     story of the animal world, diminishing                                                     The Eleventh Hour and The Waterhole
                                                     large scale animatronic puppetry. He has                                                 creative arts and international multi art
     resources, extinction and renewal. Our                                                     known and loved by millions around
                                                     broad depth of international experience                                                  form festivals. Elizabeth has collaborated
     puppets are the representatives of the                                                     the world. The recipient of over thirty
                                                     art directing and project managing major                                                 on over 100 new works for the stage and
     unique creatures that inhabit the World                                                    Australian and international awards, and
                                                     exhibits for zoos and museums.                                                           other mediums.
     Heritage listed Galapagos Islands and                                                      with global sales fast approaching six
     remind us of the importance of natural                                                     million copies, he has established himself
     diversity, balance and the role played by                                                  as one of the world's pre-eminent creators
     evolution in our world. The Waterhole is an                                                of imaginative works for children.
     evolving production of which Garden of the
     Galapagos is the first section to be fully
     realised utilising the remarkable skills of                                                                                              A Blanck Canvas, Creature
     Melbourne based artists, designers                                                                                                       Designer and Builder
     and makers.
                                                                                                                                              A Blanck Canvas is a Melbourne-based
     Peter Wilson, Director                                                                                                                   company that creates unique, custom 2D
     Peter has been working internationally in                                                                                                and 3D artwork and is led by Director Joe
     puppetry-related related visual theatre                                                                                                  Blanck who has worked in the industry
     for over 40 years. As well as many                                                                                                       for over twenty years. Puppetry and large
     internationally successful stage productions,                                                                                            scale installations are the focus of the
     Peter's recent work includes joint Art                                                                                                   company but A Blanck Canvas creates
     Director of the new $30 million Jakarta                                                                                                  everything from large scale puppets,
     Aquarium and development of several other                                                                                                art and murals to large props, sets and
     key cultural works in Indonesia particularly                                                                                             installations for film, theatre and events.
     in conjunction with Balinese master
     puppeteers, musicians and performers.
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     Frog Hollow                                     Underwater Avenue                                                                             Neon Playground

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     Enlighten, Born in a Taxi                       Melbourne Down Under,                         Deep Dance, DJ Sticky Limpet                    Neon Playground, Additive
     As night falls, light explodes from The         Sheree Marris and John Smith                  Prepare to be thrilled, chilled or discoed      Experience a maze of yellow neon as
     Cube. You are invited to journey into           Stand still, take a deep breath and let the   with a choice of three soundtracks to           you walk and explore the giant Southern
     the celestial heavens, right here on            water wash over your mind in the deep of      accompany your Silent Disco experience          Corroboree Frogs' unique patterning. Its
     earth. Integrating dance, comedy and            Wild Sea. The big screen will light up with   in the deep at Wild Sea. The personally         scale represents the need to get this frog
     participatory theatre with sophisticated        a collection of stunning imagery featuring    curated audible delights by DJ Sticky           out of extinction and back into the wild, in
     interactive lighting and image projections,     the waters of Port Phillip Bay, one of        Limpet will treat your ears to three distinct   great numbers. But, don’t forget, you must
     Enlighten is a visual meditation on how we      Melbourne’s best kept secrets. The bay        playlists themed around the sea, straight-      PLAY to explore the maze! It doesn’t matter
     connect, what’s important and our search        is home to 1,300 plants and animals with      up disco, and the underwater star gazer,        what age you are, everyone is encouraged
     for the divine within us all. Visual, poetic,   more than 82% of the marine life found        with sounds for everyone.                       to enjoy the lawn games within.
     ridiculous and profound.                        here on the southern shores and nowhere       A big name in the intertidal zone, DJ Sticky    Additive is responsible for Neon
     Born in a Taxi enjoys mixing dance with         else in the world. Think dragons that         Limpet will be making their on-shore debut      Playground’s design and curation. Learn
     humour, the profound with the profane and       sparkle like jewels, magical kelp forests     at Neon Playground. Perpetually in the          more about the collective on page 3.
     the familiar with the unlikely. Renowned for    and fish that fish for other fish.            white-wash, DJ Sticky Limpet lives large on
     their immediacy, responsiveness and play        Sheree Marris, Marine Biologist and           the rock, not under it.
     with audiences, they are one of Melbourne’s     raconteur is the brains behind Melbourne
     most highly regarded physical theatre           Down Under, a commitment to taking
     ensembles and creators of contemporary          the colour and diversity of Port Phillip
     performance. The company’s diverse              Bay to the masses using world-class
     performance backgrounds and trademark           imagery in a series of high profile media
     methodology in ensemble movement                platforms. Sheree is a water-babe who
     improvisation have created a cross-             grew up on the Mornington Peninsula and
     disciplinary style that lives in between the    has a passion for sharing the wonders of
     cracks of theatre and dance. Born in a Taxi's   her blue backyard with the world, while
     creative directors’ and key performers are      developing a marine stewardship ethic
     Penny Baron and Carolyn Hanna.                  within the community. Together with
                                                     John Smith, they have captured stunning
                                                     underwater footage that showcases that
                                                     Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city
                                                     above and... below the water.                                                                 M E L BO U R N E ZO O
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     Between the Trees

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     Between the Trees, Melinda                     questions about the complex and evolving
                                                    relationships between the human-animal
     Hetzel & Co.
                                                    and human-built worlds.
     Melinda Hetzel and Co.'s, Between the
     Trees is an interactive, performance-
     installation, suspended under the canopy
     of a tree, creating a magical world of
     music, plants, humans and light. Between
     the Trees forms a shared, musical
     instrument. Guided by a surprising
     creature from the forest-undergrowth,
     participants are invited to create original
     compositions together in real time.
     Suspended, miniature ecospheres, when
     touched, trigger a collective symphony of
     light and sound. This playful, immersive
     experience is inspired by the intricate
     connectivity of mycelium, 'the internet
     of the forest', gently reminding us of our
     connectedness to the natural world and
     each other.

     Melinda Hetzel & Co. collaborate to
     create extraordinary site-responsive and
     participatory artworks. Specialising in
     activations within public space, they create
     personalised experiences, which layer the
     intimate with the spectacle, creating room
     for unexpected possibility. This artist-
     led collective playfully persist in raising

                                                                                                                          M E L BO U R N E ZO O
Zoos Victoria
PO Box 74
Parkville VIC 3052
zv@zoo.org.au
zoo.org.au

ABN 96 913 959 053
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