By Parker McKenzie
Artist Peter Mcilwain’s Bird Child Spirit exhibition will feature in three new locations throughout the Yarra Ranges, thanks to a $9,955 grant from the Grants for Community Program.
The sound art installation was launched in Selby on March 6 2022, where recordings of children imitating birds could be heard as visitors walked across a short trail.
Mr Mcilwain said the installation, which ended on April 19, had around 600 visits.
“The community got on board with it and were quite supportive,” he said.
“The idea is that when I go to a particular region, the sounds will comprise of the children from that area.”
Funding from the grant will be used by Mr Mcilwain to work with interest groups, families and children to create recordings before the installation.
“That’s how you know you get the community engaged in the project, so it’s not just parachuted in,” he said.
“It’s really encouraging is supported at the community level and Yarra Ranges Council should be congratulated for that.”
He flagged Warburton and Healesville as two potential locations, alongside potentially taking the project interstate to Townsville.
Mr Mcilwain said there are several requirements to consider when choosing the location for the three new installations.
“It doesn’t have traffic, it has the right kinds of trees to name a few,” he said.
“It’s going to be a bit of a process but what I’m hoping to do is have them evenly spread around the Shire.”
Applications for the grants were assessed by two independent panels consisting of five people each, with four community members and a council staff member.
Streeton Ward Councillor Andrew Fullagar said the program was one of the Council’s most loved initiatives.
“It’s fantastic how our grant programs empower the community and allow local groups and individuals to do what they do best, and the shining example of that,” Cr Fullagar said.
“This year like always, there’s an incredible diversity of projects and events as our communities are always thinking outside the square.”
For more information on Peter Mcilwain’s art, visit bentnail.art
