GATHERINGS 2022 & 2023

"Gatherings" was a region-wide cultural activation project commissioned by the Northern Grampians Shire Council and produced by ACT Natimuk

The initiative aims were to support local artists and communities through a series of pop-up performances, visual installations, and workshops across various towns, fostering artistic collaboration and audience engagement. The work created ranged from delicate illuminations in intimate spaces to large-scale acrobatic installation performances, often complementing existing public art and local stories. By transforming everyday spaces into creative hubs, “Gatherings” celebrated regional creativity and community spirit.

Gatherings 2022

'The Grampians Way"

In 2022, “Gatherings” activated the towns of Great Western, Stawell, Halls Gap, and St Arnaud from May to June. Funded by a grant from the Victorian Government’s COVID Safe Outdoor Activation Fund, the project aimed to revitalize town centers and public spaces post-pandemic.

Each town hosted unique events:

Great Western

“New Vintage,” produced by Verity Higgins, showcased photographs of local wine industry figures and featured a screening of the award-winning film Blind Ambition.

Stawell

“Out of the Box,” produced by Jacinda O’Sullivan, transformed the streetscape with live performances, music, art installations, and the physical theatre piece The Bells by 5 Angry Men.

St Arnaud

“Lights On,” produced by Mary French, offered interactive augmented reality experiences during the day and nighttime projections that brought images, animations, and sounds to life in the town hall precinct.

Halls Gap

“The Moth Trail,” developed by Jillian Pearce, was an outdoor light and projection trail created with local artists and community groups, featuring unexpected performances like an opera singer on rooftops.

Gatherings 2023:

'Night Blooms & The Moth Trail'

Building on the success of the previous year, Gatherings returned in 2023 with events in St Arnaud and Halls Gap, supported by a grant from the Victorian Government’s Living Local Regional Fund.

St Arnaud - 14 October 2023

Night Blooms, produced by Jacinda O’Sullivan, featured “The Hothouse,” an illuminated pop-up conservatory with interactive digital animations depicting nature’s beauty, growth, and decay, set to an original soundtrack. An augmented reality trail highlighted iconic spaces and murals throughout the day.

Halls Gap - 21 October 2023

The Moth Trail returned, starting with live music and augmented reality experiences at the pop-up park, followed by a light trail leading to the botanical gardens and primary school, developed in collaboration with local artists and community groups.