Berninneit adds new dimension to Cup Weekend

WITH the official openings of last week out of the way, including the exclusive event for VIPs on October 28 and the concert for balloted guests on Wednesday, November 1, the doors of the new Berninneit cultural centre were thrown open to the public.

And across the Melbourne Cup Weekend, hundreds of people flowed through the doors, mostly visitors but a liberal sprinkling of locals as well taking their first look at the new $31.3 million arts facility.

Some took a stroll through the great hall or visited the various spaces including the library, where there was a ‘Living Circle’ craft activity for the kids, making Short-tailed Shearwater and whale sculptures, others walked around the Artists Society of Phillip Island Region (ASPIR) exhibition, made time to see the new museum space, the Millowl Exhibition by the Baluk Arts group, or waited in line to attend the Living Circle Concert.

This was a free event, oversubscribed in an online booking process.

From next Friday, November 17, however, the rubber hits the road with the first patron-paid event, featuring comedian Akmal, at 8pm. Tickets online for $49.90.

Earlier, on Saturday, November 4, there was a paid concert by the Inventi Ensemble at 1pm for $10. But the paid program starts in earnest now, another test of the viability of the new facility.

Feature exhibition

The Baluk Arts’ exhibition is described as “an immersive, contemporary Aboriginal art experience exploring spirit and place”, features five of the country’s most talented Aboriginal artists including Bunurong artist Adam Magennis, Nyul Nyul Saltwater man Lowell Hunter (aka ‘Salty One’), Boonwurrung/Barkindji artist Mitch Mahoney, Guringai Saltwater woman Charlie Woods (aka ‘Charlie Needs Braces’), and local Bass Coast resident Dunghutti/Ngayawana artist Patrice Muthaymiles Mahoney AOM.

The exhibition offers an array of art forms, including a traditionally-made stringy bark canoe, contemporary paintings, a sand sculpture and projections, all accompanied by a commissioned musical score.

Each piece in the exhibition carries with it a unique story, connecting the viewer with the artist, in celebration of the spirituality and history of the land, sky, waters, and animals of Millowl.

Take time to watch and listen as changing lights cast light and shadow on various aspects of the installation, with a creative narrative on the screen.

In the lead up to the exhibition, Baluk Arts ran a series of public activations including a beachside workshop by Salty One at Berry’s Beach.

“For me … the sand is ultimately my canvas … We can learn a lot from understanding how indigenous peoples have looked after and nurtured the lands for countless generations,” they said.

The lead up also included a five-day residency with Mitch Mahoney creating a traditional stringy bark canoe which is the feature of the exhibition.