LIGHT AND ART FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION 12 - 27 APRIL 2019 - Zoos Victoria
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L I G H T A N D ART
F O R W IL D L I F E C O N SERVAT I ON
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2 N E O N P L AYG RO U N D 2019 3
Meet the Curator
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Design and curation of the inaugural Neon
Playground is brought to you by Additive.
With 60 years combined experience as
lighting designers working across the
globe, Paul Lim, Ben “Bosco” Shaw and
Tom Wright joined forces to form Additive.
Delivering spectacular and innovative
designs for large scale public projects, their
work has captivated audiences at the NRL
Melbourne Zoo illuminates this their installations from this tiny fighter.
Grand Final, ACRA Awards, Dark MOFO
April as Neon Playground lights Tragically the threatened frog is in need of
and MONA FOMA. Their portfolio spans
up for the very first time over your help due to a fatal disease wiping out
ground-breaking installations, including the
16 spectacular nights. frog populations globally. Melbourne Zoo
Brain Sculpture (for Monash Brain Park)
is working with a number of partners with
and acclaimed productions, with Stephanie
Each night after dark the Zoo will transform high hopes to recover the species teetering
Lake Company, Lucy Guerin Inc and Arena
with stunning light displays, projections, on the brink of the extinction. Zoo experts
Theatre Company. With a versatile, creative
contemporary art installations, interactive have been busy breeding the Southern
approach, Additive provides elegant
performances and more. Corroboree Frogs in custom built facilities
technical solutions for complex activations,
and have contributed to wild releases on
Bringing Melbourne's vibrant culture to the festivals, concerts, productions and events.
Mt Kosciusko.
lush grounds of the Zoo, Neon Playground Additive is proud to partner with Melbourne
celebrates a showcase of some of the best The frogs would like to thank you for
Zoo on the inaugural Neon Playground
local light and visual artists and designers. purchasing a ticket to Neon Playground!
to combine their passion for design with
And the best part, all proceeds contribute their interest in raising awareness about
to the conservation of the critically Australia's endangered species.
endangered Southern Corroboree Frog. The
vibrantly patterned alpine amphibian is the
perfect ambassador for the bold event, with
many artists drawing their inspiration for
M E L BO U R N E ZO O
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Southern Corroboree Frog Why save the frog? "It is hard to believe that we have some of the rarest species that
Zoos Victoria is a not-for-profit At Zoos Victoria we care because it takes are on the brink of extinction in our own backyard and most of
conservation organisation that, with your courage to fight apathy and extinction. We us don’t even realise. I’m proud to be part of a world leading
generous support, is working to secure a care because we believe every animal is zoo-based conservation organisation and as Melbourne Zoo's
future rich in wildlife. valuable, and has a delicate and complex Amphibian Specialist I feel I am on the frontline for ‘Fighting
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role to play in maintaining a healthy, secure,
All proceeds from Neon Playground Extinction’. My main focus is the captive management of an
and wondrous ecosystem.
help Zoos Victoria save the critically insurance population of Southern Corroboree Frogs. The biggest
endangered Southern Corroboree Frog. Best identified by its striking yellow and highlight of my role is successfully breeding them in captivity
There are estimated to be less than 100 black stripes, the Southern Corroboree
and then taking the eggs back to Mt Kosciusko and releasing
individuals left in the wild, which is why Frog exists only in sub-alpine areas of
this colourful species is one of the 21 local Mt Kosciusko National Park. Classified
them into the wild, with the hope to save Australia’s most
threatened species Zoos Victoria is saving as Critically Endangered, the species endangered frog species.”
from extinction. is under serious threat of extinction Damian Goodall, Reptile Keeper
due to Chytridiomycosis, the deadly Invertebrates & Education, Melbourne Zoo
‘Amphibian Chytrid Fungus’ decimating frog
populations around the world.
Zoos Victoria has been a dedicated
“I’ll never forget the day when I found the first ever clutch of
champion for the Southern Corroboree Frog
since 2001. As an integral member of the
captive bred Southern Corroboree Frog at Melbourne Zoo back in
national recovery team, Zoos Victoria has 2006! 42 eggs from 2 females. It was the most amazing feeling,
made significant contributions towards the indescribable really. It was like “Yes! We can do it!” Ever since
survival of the species through effective that moment I knew that Melbourne Zoo would play a huge role
captive breeding techniques, improved in the success of saving this species from extinction. From that
husbandry, and innovative release programs.
first clutch to producing over 2000 in one season shows the
passion and dedication of why we do what we do!”
Raelene Hobbs, Reptile Keeper
Invertebrates & Education, Melbourne Zoo
M E L BO U R N E ZO ORAIL GATE
Toilet Zoo Edge (RAIL GATE)
Parents Room Neon Playground
Accessible toilet Between the Trees
Changing Places toilet Frog Hollow
M Pavillion
Food & drink Waterhole
ATM Underwater Avenue
Carousel Park
Information Awareness Alley
Drinking water Relaxoland
Guiding Heights
Zoo Edge (MAIN GATE)
MAIN GATE8 N E O N P L AYG RO U N D 2019 9
Getting Here Getting Home
Public transport is your best bet, logistically and environmentally! Before saying goodnight, check you’ve got all the belongings and
The Upfield train line stops at Royal Park station, which is right buddies you brought with you. It can get pretty busy in the carpark
outside the Zoo’s gates. The 58 tram and 505 bus will also drop you after the event, so please be patient and mindful of traffic as you
on our doorstep. Parking is free after 5pm if you do choose to drive. make your way home.
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Food and Drink Weather Policy
Visit Relaxoland at Carousel Park to rest, reflect and refuel. A hub
Rain or shine, the event will go on! Check the forecast before you
of Melbourne food trucks and bars will serve a selection of delicious
head to the Zoo and pack warm clothes and raincoats if you need
treats and finest local craft beverages. Enjoy the majestic carousel
them. In the unlikely event of an emergency, you may be evacuated
in action, featuring dynamic lighting effects on the underside of its
for your safety. Please listen to Zoo staff, who will direct you to
canopy by Additive.
safety in an emergency situation.
Alcohol
The Animals
We’re a fully licensed venue. There are plenty of beverage options
on offer at Relaxoland, but BYO alcohol is not permitted. The event has been designed with the welfare of the animals front
of mind; most of the activities and installations are down Main
Smoking Drive as to not impact them. However, as it is the first year of the
event, Zoo Keepers and welfare staff will monitor animals for any
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside Melbourne Zoo. It’s home
changes in behaviour throughout the event period. If any welfare
to amazing animals, after all! Pass outs are available at the gates if
challenges are seen, immediate action will be taken to mitigate
you do want to duck out for a smoke. Remember to toss your butts
the impact if required.
in the bins provided.
Please note, only portions of the Zoo will be open for this event so
Rubbish animal viewing on the night is not guaranteed.
Help us keep the Zoo tidy for visitors and animals alike by
chucking your rubbish in the different bins for food waste,
recycling and general waste. We collect and sort most of your
rubbish, then mix it with some elephant poo to make the compost
that feeds the lush gardens around the Zoo. Please use the right
bins for all your rubbish.
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Explore the Zoo after dark and embark on a Relaxoland
night of magic, stories and discover an incredible Take it all in at the Zoo’s historic Carousel Park, grab something
array of local artists and their masterpieces. from a selection of Melbourne’s food trucks and bars to refuel
This is what to expect on your journey… for the rest of your Neon Playground journey. Take a ride on the
majestic carousel, enjoy music and light displays and relax with
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Zoo Edge friends and family before embarking on the rest of your adventure.
The experience will begin from the moment you arrive at the
entrance to Melbourne Zoo with spectacular large-scale projections The Waterhole
lighting up the art deco features of the iconic main gates while Transport yourself into the world of Graeme Base’s children’s classic
the rear entrance will be illuminated with a static projection. Both The Waterhole, where larger than life animals from the Galapagos
contemporary works are inspired by the Southern and Northern will be illuminated and brought to life on the Platypus Lawn just
Corroboree Frogs. a few footsteps from the Giant Tortoise exhibit. In a world-first
performance of the wonder-filled stage adaption featuring puppetry
Awareness Alley and projection that will be sure to capture the imagination of kids
and adults alike.
Journey through the mesmerising tunnel of Awareness Alley where
you will be engulfed by dynamic laser art and sound along the Zoo’s
historic Main Drive. On the way, learn about our Fighting Extinction Frog Hollow
species from a colourful avenue of neon sculptures inspired by Experience the Reptile House after dark then hit the interactive
Zoos Victoria’s 21 priority threatened species. At the conclusion of dancefloor in the nearby Wiggles Frog Disco installation and later
the alley, encounter an impressive display of twelve beams of light be prepared to be enlightened on the south end of the Twilights
piercing the night sky, encircling the iconic zoo roundabout and Lawn with The Cube. The transparent cube will be brought to life
golden elephant sculpture. with light and performances within, drawing on inspiration from the
surrounding wildlife.
Guiding Heights
Take a few steps off the beaten path into the quiet enclave directly Underwater Avenue
behind the Zoo’s historic carousel and discover a place for quiet Take a walk into the darkness and experience a Silent Disco like no
reflection while enjoying the century-old Moreton Bay Fig Tree other in the serene surroundings of Wild Sea, the home of seals,
with its glittering branches illuminated by a series of impressive penguins, fiddler rays and seahorses. Be transfixed by the moving
light installations. Be entranced by an exquisite cardboard, light images featuring local waters and wildlife collected over time by
and shadows sculptural installation using recyclable materials – a filmographer Sharee Marris and projected on the impressive display
thoughtful experience not to be missed. in the deep of Wild Sea.
M E L BO U R N E ZO O12
Neon Playground
The feature exhibition of the Neon Playground program will excite
and delight not only the kids but the kids at heart. Explore the giant
neon maze inspired by the Southern Corroboree Frog’s distinctive
yellow and black markings featuring almost 600 meters of LED
neon suspended from the ground creating a labyrinth of light with
surprises along the way. Journey through four game stations and
play your way through the maze to illuminate it as you experience
one giant glow-in-the-dark hide and seek adventure!
Between the Trees
A stunning lighting display will feature lit glass orbs hanging from
an ancient tree miraculously reacting to visitor proximity through
sound and light. The work will create an opportunity for you to learn
about nature and in particular the mycelium, which is the way trees
communicate through their root system, not unlike the internet.14 N E O N P L AYG RO U N D 2019 15
Some of Melbourne’s finest artists have come
together under the curation of Additive to create
a captivating array of installations and artworks
illuminating the first program of
Neon Playground.
Zoo Edge
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Biosynthesis, Kit Webster Pengilleyi, Additive
A luminous biosynthetic morphing display The towering rear entry stands tall
of yellow and black projections (inspired proudly illuminated by a static projection
by the distinctive striped patterning of the inspired by the Northern Corroboree Frog,
critically endangered Southern Corroboree a distinctive pattern subtly distinguished
Frog) fluidly evolves across the historic from the Southern Corroboree Frog in
gateway of the Zoo. As you walk through colour only. The entry portal will shine
this glowing portal which merges light and a light on your path to help fight wildlife
form, we invite you to be teleported into extinction and you will be invited to begin
the adventure which is Neon Playground. your Neon Playground adventure.
Kit Webster's multidisciplinary practice Additive is responsible for Neon
transverses sculpture, installation and new Playground’s design and curation. With
technology, creating works for festivals, 60 years combined experience as lighting
exhibitions, performance, architectural and designers working across the globe, Paul
commercial projects. Lim, Ben “Bosco” Shaw and Tom Wright
joined forces to form Additive. Delivering
At the forefront of digital and spatial
spectacular and innovative designs for
experimentation, Kit has become known for
large scale public projects, Additive is
his hybrid sculptural forms and immersive
proud to partner with the Zoo on the
environments enhanced by the vivid play of
inaugural Neon Playground to combine
audiovisual multidimensional space.
their passion for design with their interest
in raising awareness about Australia's
endangered species.
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Awareness Alley
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Double Beam, Robin Fox Neon Nearly Gone, Carla Beam Clock, Additive
Double Beam is the latest in Robin O’Brien Time, a force that underpins all wildlife
Fox's series of outdoor AV installations. Melbourne Visual Artist Carla O'Brien's conservation efforts. It’s a race against
Essentially a doubling of the previous latest and largest neon installation to the clock to save our endangered animals.
White Beam project, Double Beam puts date features Zoos Victoria’s 21 priority Beam Clock is designed to invoke thought
two high powered lasers head-to-head threatened species and their names. These and reflection on this very concept
down Awareness Alley at the Zoo. Two animals are only found in south-eastern featuring 12 light beams connecting earth
parallel high powered beams hover above Australia and are being pushed to the brink to atmosphere in the familiar arrangement
the alleyway and periodically activate into of extinction. O'Brien says, "Besides the of a clock face.
sound and light events synchronise fact that there are very few left in the wild, Additive is responsible for Neon
audible and visible electricity. The effects most of these animals are very hard to Playground’s design and curation. Learn
are stunning. actually find and some are as small as your more about the collective on page 3.
Robin Fox is a leading Australian hand or even your thumb. These oversized
audio-visual artist working across live neon versions give you a very bright
performance, composition, exhibitions, exaggerated idea of what they look like
public art projects and designs for and hopefully bring awareness to them and
contemporary dance. His AV laser works, their importance in our local nature."
which synchronise sound and visual Carla O’Brien’s love for light art began
electricity in hyper-amplified 3D space in 2009 when she visited the Burning
have been performed in over 60 cities Man festival in Nevada, USA. Using LED
worldwide to critical acclaim. Neon Flex, a revolutionary replacement of
traditional Glass Neon, she creates awe-
inspiring neon art installations. Her neon
Eastern Barred Bandicoots have been a
feature at the Zoo Twilights concert series
since 2016.
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Guiding Heights Relaxoland
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Pop Me Up, Lara Tumak Gaia, Additive Additive
and Tobias Horrocks This Moreton Bay Fig is believed to have Lights, sound and the experience in
Pop Me Up is an interactive installation been planted at Melbourne Zoo before, if Relax-o-land have been brought to
where you can popup and colour in a little not during, the Zoo’s inception more than you by Additive.
cardboard corroboree frog. Learn some 155 years ago. In Greek mythology Gaia is
fun facts as you find a place to nestle your the ancestral mother of all life, the primal
uniquely patterned creature amongst the Mother Earth goddess; a mother tree. By
paper moss. You'll find this compostable endowing this tree with light the history
work under the old fig tree. of the Zoo and its key goal, caring for the
environment is illuminated and brought
Pop Me Up is a collaboration between artist
to life.
Lara Tumak and cardboard architect Tobias
Horrocks. Lara’s creative practice spans Additive is responsible for Neon
performance, design and direction. She Playground’s design and curation.
enjoys transforming ordinary materials into Learn more about the collective on page 3.
extraordinary things. Tobias is an architect.
His award-winning firm, Fold Theory, designs
furniture, interiors and installations – all
made from recyclable cardboard.
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The Waterhole
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The Waterhole, Garden of John Barcham, Producer Graeme Base, Author and Elizabeth Walsh, Associate
the Galapagos John is a highly experienced Arts and Creative Development Producer
Entertainment Management specialist.
Garden of the Galapagos brings to life a Graeme has been writing and illustrating
Most recently he was General Manager Elizabeth’s work spans the performing
section of Australian author Graeme Base's books for children for over twenty-five
of The Creature Technology Company, and visual arts from small to medium
book, The Waterhole. The book is a global years, with worldwide bestsellers Animalia,
the world's most successful creator of size companies to major centres for the
story of the animal world, diminishing The Eleventh Hour and The Waterhole
large scale animatronic puppetry. He has creative arts and international multi art
resources, extinction and renewal. Our known and loved by millions around
broad depth of international experience form festivals. Elizabeth has collaborated
puppets are the representatives of the the world. The recipient of over thirty
art directing and project managing major on over 100 new works for the stage and
unique creatures that inhabit the World Australian and international awards, and
exhibits for zoos and museums. other mediums.
Heritage listed Galapagos Islands and with global sales fast approaching six
remind us of the importance of natural million copies, he has established himself
diversity, balance and the role played by as one of the world's pre-eminent creators
evolution in our world. The Waterhole is an of imaginative works for children.
evolving production of which Garden of the
Galapagos is the first section to be fully
realised utilising the remarkable skills of A Blanck Canvas, Creature
Melbourne based artists, designers Designer and Builder
and makers.
A Blanck Canvas is a Melbourne-based
Peter Wilson, Director company that creates unique, custom 2D
Peter has been working internationally in and 3D artwork and is led by Director Joe
puppetry-related related visual theatre Blanck who has worked in the industry
for over 40 years. As well as many for over twenty years. Puppetry and large
internationally successful stage productions, scale installations are the focus of the
Peter's recent work includes joint Art company but A Blanck Canvas creates
Director of the new $30 million Jakarta everything from large scale puppets,
Aquarium and development of several other art and murals to large props, sets and
key cultural works in Indonesia particularly installations for film, theatre and events.
in conjunction with Balinese master
puppeteers, musicians and performers.
M E L BO U R N E ZO O22 N E O N P L AYG RO U N D 2019 23
Frog Hollow Underwater Avenue Neon Playground
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Enlighten, Born in a Taxi Melbourne Down Under, Deep Dance, DJ Sticky Limpet Neon Playground, Additive
As night falls, light explodes from The Sheree Marris and John Smith Prepare to be thrilled, chilled or discoed Experience a maze of yellow neon as
Cube. You are invited to journey into Stand still, take a deep breath and let the with a choice of three soundtracks to you walk and explore the giant Southern
the celestial heavens, right here on water wash over your mind in the deep of accompany your Silent Disco experience Corroboree Frogs' unique patterning. Its
earth. Integrating dance, comedy and Wild Sea. The big screen will light up with in the deep at Wild Sea. The personally scale represents the need to get this frog
participatory theatre with sophisticated a collection of stunning imagery featuring curated audible delights by DJ Sticky out of extinction and back into the wild, in
interactive lighting and image projections, the waters of Port Phillip Bay, one of Limpet will treat your ears to three distinct great numbers. But, don’t forget, you must
Enlighten is a visual meditation on how we Melbourne’s best kept secrets. The bay playlists themed around the sea, straight- PLAY to explore the maze! It doesn’t matter
connect, what’s important and our search is home to 1,300 plants and animals with up disco, and the underwater star gazer, what age you are, everyone is encouraged
for the divine within us all. Visual, poetic, more than 82% of the marine life found with sounds for everyone. to enjoy the lawn games within.
ridiculous and profound. here on the southern shores and nowhere A big name in the intertidal zone, DJ Sticky Additive is responsible for Neon
Born in a Taxi enjoys mixing dance with else in the world. Think dragons that Limpet will be making their on-shore debut Playground’s design and curation. Learn
humour, the profound with the profane and sparkle like jewels, magical kelp forests at Neon Playground. Perpetually in the more about the collective on page 3.
the familiar with the unlikely. Renowned for and fish that fish for other fish. white-wash, DJ Sticky Limpet lives large on
their immediacy, responsiveness and play Sheree Marris, Marine Biologist and the rock, not under it.
with audiences, they are one of Melbourne’s raconteur is the brains behind Melbourne
most highly regarded physical theatre Down Under, a commitment to taking
ensembles and creators of contemporary the colour and diversity of Port Phillip
performance. The company’s diverse Bay to the masses using world-class
performance backgrounds and trademark imagery in a series of high profile media
methodology in ensemble movement platforms. Sheree is a water-babe who
improvisation have created a cross- grew up on the Mornington Peninsula and
disciplinary style that lives in between the has a passion for sharing the wonders of
cracks of theatre and dance. Born in a Taxi's her blue backyard with the world, while
creative directors’ and key performers are developing a marine stewardship ethic
Penny Baron and Carolyn Hanna. within the community. Together with
John Smith, they have captured stunning
underwater footage that showcases that
Melbourne is the world’s most liveable city
above and... below the water. M E L BO U R N E ZO O24 N E O N P L AYG RO U N D 2019 25
Between the Trees
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Between the Trees, Melinda questions about the complex and evolving
relationships between the human-animal
Hetzel & Co.
and human-built worlds.
Melinda Hetzel and Co.'s, Between the
Trees is an interactive, performance-
installation, suspended under the canopy
of a tree, creating a magical world of
music, plants, humans and light. Between
the Trees forms a shared, musical
instrument. Guided by a surprising
creature from the forest-undergrowth,
participants are invited to create original
compositions together in real time.
Suspended, miniature ecospheres, when
touched, trigger a collective symphony of
light and sound. This playful, immersive
experience is inspired by the intricate
connectivity of mycelium, 'the internet
of the forest', gently reminding us of our
connectedness to the natural world and
each other.
Melinda Hetzel & Co. collaborate to
create extraordinary site-responsive and
participatory artworks. Specialising in
activations within public space, they create
personalised experiences, which layer the
intimate with the spectacle, creating room
for unexpected possibility. This artist-
led collective playfully persist in raising
M E L BO U R N E ZO OZoos Victoria PO Box 74 Parkville VIC 3052 zv@zoo.org.au zoo.org.au ABN 96 913 959 053
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