Arts event appoints new director as preparations begin

PREPARATIONS are under way for arts event Mountain to Mouth, with the appointment of a new artistic director and search for an artist to create the major sculpture.

Margie Mackay has been appointed the artistic director of Mountain to Mouth 2018 (M~M2018).

Margie is known for the artistic use of fire, projection, dance, and puppetry, and has considerable experience in delivering innovative and memorable large-scale artistic projects, both in Australia and internationally.

M~M2018 is also seeking a lead artist to develop the sculpture commission, which will lead the event on May 4 and May 5.

The commission, made possible through funding from Deakin University, includes mentoring an emerging local artist and conducting development workshops for artists and Deakin creative arts students.

One of the Deakin students will be selected to continue to work with the artist to create the final sculpture.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said the event was a unique journey that brought communities together, showcasing the incredible diversity of landscape as well as the region’s creative talent.

“This is a great opportunity for artists and groups to be a part of something truly special and memorable,” he said.

Expressions of Interest from artists interested in being considered for the commission are due by February 15.

M~M 2018 is an 80-kilometre contemporary extreme arts walk that extends from the You Yangs, through the industrial heart of Geelong, traversing the Borough of Queenscliffe before arriving at the mouth of the Barwon River at Barwon Heads.

M~M2018 is about community engagement.

Walking, extreme art, and plantings of indigenous vegetation are three key, but not exclusive, means of public involvement – the theme for M~M2018 is EARTH.

For more information on the event, head to mountaintomouth.com.au or email [email protected].