Six artists and a Deakin University team have combined to evoke the memories of Geelong’s industrial legacy at a National Wool Museum exhibition.
Iconic Industry runs at the museum until 1 October, and is a part of the #VacantGeelong project concentrating on the buildings and sites of Geelong’s de-industrialisation.
The project focused on thousands of acres of land and the often overlooked beauty of industrial buildings, museum director Padraic Fisher said.
“Don’t just see #VacantGeelong – experience it.
“Come to the National Wool Museum and immerse yourself in an industrial heritage place where the contemporary world collides with the human endeavours of the past.”
The exhibition features the work of artists Sarah Duyshart, Robert Mihajlovski, Bindi Cole Chocka, Merinda Kelly, Amanda Shone and Alex Hamilton.
The artists and Deakin team engaged the local community and past Ford workers to bring the sounds, views and atmosphere Geelong’s industrial legacy to life.
They aimed to celebrate the history and community memories of Geelong’s iconic industrial buildings before they were adapted for re-use, said project leader Mirjana Lozanovska.
“The Iconic Industry works provide a platform for us to understand and value the industrial legacy of Geelong and provide a way to go forward through this phase of deindustrialisation.”
Deakin University’s #VacantGeelong project received $10,000 in funding through the City of Greater Geelong’s Community Arts Grants Program.
“The City of Greater Geelong is thrilled to support the #VacantGeelong project,” said manager of arts and culture Kaz Paton.
“The Iconic Industry exhibition is a captivating celebration of Geelong’s industrial past.”
