Walk-through artwork a door-opener

THE CBD’s latest interactive installation 1000 Doors creaked open last week for residents to wander through.

Created by Australian artists Keith Courtney and Christian Wagstaff the labyrinth is designed to be nostalgic, yet haunting and claustrophobic, with corridors, portals, gateways, vestibules, parlours, holding pens and a sense of time travel, where it feels like historic personalities previously in the space are still there.

“Each space is about personal memories from our own childhood,” Courtney said.

The pair were relieved to see the experience – which has previously toured eight cities including Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Auckland and Bendigo – open on Armstrong and Sturt streets, following lockdown delays.

“We’ve always been on a path or in a festival environment, so to have it in the heart of the city is quite unique,” Wagstaff said.

Courtney said it was also the first time the pair’s work had ever required a road closure.

“It looks great here, with the juxtaposition between it and the structure of the Town Hall,” he said.

An “extraordinary local crew” reconstructed the custom-made installation which weighs 70 tonnes, and was delivered in containers.

“It was probably the best crew we’ve had, from the riggers, to the crane drivers, to the build crew. Our front-of-house staff are all local as well,” Wagstaff said.

Parts of the labyrinth pay homage to iconic cinematic moments, and Courtney said he loves seeing how visitors engage with those through their use of photography, video and Instagram.

“The way that people embrace and capture it on social media is really wonderful to see. Some bring quite sophisticated gear in and do mini photo shoots.”

The State Government injected $100,000 into the initiative from their Regional Recovery Fund to get it to Ballarat.

Ballarat Regional Tourism chair Paul Martino said the “arts-focused activation” is a “positive focal point” within the current COVID climate.

“There’s not many tourism projects going on state-wide right now, so it’s unique to have something new like this open in regional Victoria,” he said.

“The uptake amongst Ballarat residents has been phenomenal. Over the next few days, it’s very heavily booked. We’ve sold 1500 tickets in six days.

“Hopefully by people coming and spending time here, they’ll go to a restaurant and bar as well.”

Mr Martino said 1000 Doors has generated a “positive synergy” between BRT, the State and City of Ballarat.