Sounding Histories marks mission birthday

Historical research and art blend at the Mission to Seafarers this month will coincide with the 100th anniversary of Docklands’ architectural treasure.

The heritage-listed mission building was opened on September 11, 1917. To mark the date, a group of artists are presenting Sounding Histories.

Curator Anne Wilson from Deakin University explained that the artists were each engaging with the building in their own individual way.

The outcome, she said, was a site-responsive mixture of performance, video, archival, installation, sound, participation and text.

She said the mission had such a rich and diverse history that the artists were all able to connect and interpret a unique aspect of the space.

“The project aims to draw attention to its possibilities as a cultural centre and its significance as one of the few historic building/facilities in the Docklands area,” she said.

Ms Wilson and Cameron Bishop are handling most of the research. Participating artists are rock band Painters and Dockers, Maree Clarke, Bishop and Reis, Catherine Bell, Michael Needham, Michael Greaves and The Rogue Academy.

Musician Paul Stewart and his band Painters and Dockers will perform on the opening night of the exhibition, September 11. Tickets can be purchased (by donation) at eventbrite.com.au

The exhibition extends between 10am and 7pm every day until September 27. The Mission to Seafarers is at 717 Flinders St.