Mountain to Mouth 2016 Announces Recipients of Major International Sculpture Commission

Geelong’s multi-award winning 80km extreme arts walk, Mountain to Mouth 2016 (M~M2016), has announced the recipients of its major sculpture commission, in a special ceremony at Eastern Beach, Geelong.

Papua New Guinean artist, Leonard Tebegetu and Australian artist, Mahony Maia Kiely have been jointly awarded the commission. The pair whose last collaboration was on the Pacific Games Opening Ceremony will reunite for the creation of M~M2016’s lead ephemeral artwork, Canoe.

City of Greater Geelong Arts & Culture Portfolio Holder, Cr Andy Richards cited the significance of cultural exchange that will occur as a result of the commission.

“Mountain to Mouth 2016 will enable a stronger dialogue and deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures in both Papua New Guinea and Australia.”

Leonard Tebegetu will work with Mahony Maia Kiely over the next month to create Canoe – as well as undertake a series of workshops together for professional artists across the region.

“I’m looking forward to engaging in cultural and creative exchanges with Indigenous Elders and local artists,” Tebegetu said.

Mahony Maia Kiely said that both artists will bring different skills to the process. “Canoe will be built of bamboo and cane, which will be light, yet strong,” she said.

Canoe - Mountain to Mouth 2016, 1 Canoe - Mountain to Mouth 2016, 2
1.                                                                                      2.
Canoe - Mountain to Mouth 2016, 3 Canoe - Mountain to Mouth 2016, 4
3.                                                                                      4.
Canoe - Mountain to Mouth 2016, 5 Canoe - Mountain to Mouth 2016, 6
5.                                                                                      6.

Mountain to Mouth is a two day, 11 stage event across the Geelong region on 6 to 7 May 2016. The route is punctuated with edgy artworks commissioned for M~M, bringing people together through shared experiences of extreme arts that celebrate our land. In the tradition of Wadawurrung, M~M creates a contemporary songline across the Geelong and Queenscliffe regions.

A vessel which will carry water from the ancient rockwell at Big Rock, You Yangs, crossing Geelong’s industrial heartland at nightfall and arriving into the city centre to collide with Geelong After Dark, central Geelong’s pop up night of arts. The following morning, the 80km journey continues along the Barwon River through rolling Bellarine farmland towards Barwon Heads by sunset where the vessel will rejoin the ocean. The Canoe will be carried by teams of Ambassadors – made up by individuals from groups and/or organisations who make a significant contribution to the region.

Be part of this “journey of discovery” and register at www.mountaintomouth.com.au

M~M2016
6 to 7 May, 2016
Victoria

Images:
1. Canoe Prototype
2. Uncle Bryon Powell, Wadawurrung Elder and Chair of Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation
3. City of Greater Geelong Mayor, Darryn Lyons
4. Artists Leonard Tebegetu and Mahony Kiely
5. Uncle Bryon Powell, Mayor Darryn Lyons, Leonard Tebegetu and Mahony Kiely

HELP DESK:
subscribe@artistprofile.com.au | PH: +612 8227 6486