The Living Sculptures art project was launched on Saturday 3 September, 2022 at Edinburgh Reserve in Linton.
Mayor Cr Gavin Gamble officially launched the project, joined by speakers Malcolm Sanders, Senior Manager for Regional Partnerships Regional Arts Victoria, community local Kylie Turville, Wadawurrung artist Kait James and settler artist Forest Keegel. Wadawurrung storyteller and song man Barry Gilson also performed a traditional Smoking Ceremony to Welcome to Country the Living Sculptures.
Members of the Linton community gathered for the launch, which followed a series of community planting sessions in late August and early September, where residents came together to help bring the art project to life.
The Linton community were heavily involved in the development of the art project, participating in workshops earlier this year to develop the themes of the living artwork. The artists worked closely with Waddawurrung Traditional Owners to refine these ideas into the concept for the final artwork.
The project saw the creation of a 13 metre buniya (eel) on the pond side of Edinburgh Reserve and a 23 metre kadak (large snake) which curves around the existing trees on the fence in the direction of Snake Valley. A small water tank attached to a gazebo was also revealed, enabling the plants to be watered and allowing for community access when picnicking at the site.
Model plans for two large permanent steel artworks by artists Kait James and Barry Gilson were also displayed at the launch, with installation at the site scheduled to commence in the coming weeks.
The Living Sculptures project was funded by a $30,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund provided through Regional Arts Australia, administered by Regional Arts Victoria, and $14,940 from Council.