News — M~M

M~M Extreme Arts Walk calling for Flag Ambassador Nominations

Photo: Anne Buckley

M~M2016 (Mountain to Mouth) is now calling for nominations for community ambassadors to carry a municipal ward flag, during Geelong’s Extreme Arts Walk on 6 – 7 May 2016.

Flag Ambassadors will be part of an 80km extreme arts journey of discovery.

Arts & Culture Portfolio holder Councillor Andy Richards said M~M2016 Flag Ambassadors would be part of the award-winning event, that showcases our region like no other.

“Walking 80km through Greater Geelong is unlike anywhere else – its diversity is spectacular - taking in rural and mountainous regions, industrial and commercial precincts, urban and residential areas and inland and coastal waters,” said Cr Richards.

Over 2 days and 11 stages, M~M2016 Flag Ambassadors will lead the walk from the You Yangs mountain range – crossing Geelong’s industrial heartland at nightfall and arriving in the city centre to collide with Geelong After Dark, a night of extreme and unexpected arts. At dawn the next day, walkers will follow the Barwon River through rolling Bellarine farmland, along ocean beach to reach river mouth at Barwon Heads by sunset.

Flag Ambassadors will carry the 12 emblematic flags of the 12 Municipal Wards of the Geelong and Queenscliff region. Route stages vary in distance (from 3-14kms), and Flag Ambassadors walk one stage only. In longer stages, the flag-bearing role may be shared among several Ambassadors.

Corio Ward Councillor Kylie Fisher shared her thoughts on the walk, which takes in Geelong’s northern suburbs and shows off parts of Geelong rarely explored by residents.

“Coming from the north into the city there is so much rich history and contrast.  Residential and industrial areas meet tucked-away sandy bay beaches with spectacular views right across Corio Bay,” said Cr Fisher.

“The M~M2016 walk will enable Geelong residents and visitors an opportunity to discover hidden aspects of the region.”

Cr Richards encouraged the community to get involved by nominating someone who has made a special contribution to their local community. 

Community Flag Ambassadors are to be nominated for their significant contribution to their municipality or neighbourhood. Community Ambassadors can be nominated from all wards of the Geelong region, and from all walks of life.

Do you know of someone who has made a special community contribution to your ward who you would like to nominate? Nominate them to become an official M~M Flag Ambassador today! 

Wanted: Extreme Arts Walk M~M seeks Lead Artist For Major Australian Ephemeral Sculpture Commission. Apply within.

Canoe 2014

Extreme Arts Walk – M~M is now calling on artists based in Australia or overseas to submit an Expression of Interest for a major $20,000 Australian Ephemeral Sculpture Commission – called Canoe.

The Canoe Commission has been made possible by funding from the Australia Council for the Arts. As one of most unique ephemeral sculpture commissions now offered in Australia, the Canoe sculpture will be the lead processional image of M~M2016 (Mountain to Mouth) – Geelong’s multi-award winning 80km extreme arts walk.

As a biennial “journey of discovery” over two days (6-7 May 2016), M~M begins at the You Yangs mountain range, crosses Geelong’s industrial heartland at nightfall and arrives in the city centre to collide with Geelong After Dark, a night of extreme and unexpected arts.

At dawn the next day, the extreme arts walk continues through the city centre to join the Barwon River, through rolling Bellarine farmland, along ocean beach to reach river mouth at Barwon Heads by sunset.

Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons said he was looking forward to seeing the Canoe, in action during M~M2016. “M~M is about land and people and it’s about art bringing these two together which is fantastic,” said Mayor Lyons.

“I encourage local, national and international artists to be part of this major cultural event.”

Tasked with a theme of “AIR” , the successful applicant will be responsible for the design, build and transport of Canoe and will have experience in the field of processional image making, installation art, and/or three dimensional construction. Collaborations will also be considered for this commission.

City of Greater Geelong Councillor Andy Richards Portfolio Holder for Arts & Culture thanked the Australia Council for the Arts for providing a significant cash contribution to the project.

“M~M is an inspiring and unique event and I am delighted that M~M has received funding from the Australia Council for the Arts. I’d also like to thank our core partners, Deakin University, Corangamite CMA, Borough of Queenscliffe, Karingal, Diversitat and Wadawurrung for their ongoing commitment to the event.”

M~M Artistic Director, Meme McDonald said that M~M is a bold artistic gesture in timid times.

“This extreme arts walk anchors us to the land. Canoe will be carried along the 80km route by Geelong ambassadors – an iconic image of journey, of migration, of carrying memory, and carrying the story of this land.”

Expressions of Interest close on 8 February 2016. Further information about the commission can be obtained by contacting the M~M Production Team on +61 3 5272 4703 or jrowe@geelongcity.vic.gov.au. Artists are to submit (up to 10) images of previous work, a Curriculum Vitae and a Statement of Interest. 

Click for full details about this commission.

Register for the walk now.