As part of the City of Greater Bendigo’s spring Bloom campaign, the Conservatory in Rosalind Park will come to life with Sonic Bloom, a transformative sound experience designed by Artistic Producer Aimee Chapman.
Commissioned by the City with support from Emporium Creative Hub, Sonic Bloom invites community members and visitors to step away from the everyday bombardment of screens and visual stimuli and reconnect with Bendigo’s extraordinary parks and gardens through immersive soundscapes, audio stories, and live music.
There will be a unique sound installation daily throughout spring inside the Conservatory complemented by free live performances held at the Conservatory lawns from 2pm to 3pm on Sunday September 8, Sunday October 6, and November 3. Ms Chapman will be joined by an eclectic roster of talented musicians and performers from across regional Victoria, including Troy Firebrace, Aviva Endean, and Nathan Curnow.
Together, they will create improvised live performances fuelled by sound recordings from Bendigo’s parks and gardens, including talks with the workers and volunteers who care for these beautiful spaces. These performances will then be available to experience by visitors and residents during Conservatory opening hours for the remainder of spring.
Bendigo Venues & Events Coordinator Creative Communities Maree Tonkin said it was an exciting addition to the annual Bloom program this year.
“Sonic Bloom provides an opportunity for local artists and producers to design and present a unique sound art experience, creative activations contribute to Greater Bendigo’s reputation as a UNESCO Creative City. Bring a picnic and immerse yourself in this harmonious blend of art, nature, history, and community at Rosalind Park’s Conservatory.”
Ms Chapman said the Conservatory was a wonderful place to host Sonic Bloom.
“I am incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to bring Sonic Bloom to life in Rosalind Park’s historic Conservatory. This project is a celebration of sound as a powerful medium to connect people to place and to each other,” Ms Chapman said.
“By weaving local audio stories with immersive soundscapes and live performances, we can offer the community a unique experience that allows them to explore and imagine their own place in the beautiful parts of Bendigo without the visual bombardment and prescribed thoughts that often accompanies art. This initiative not only enriches our cultural landscape but also highlights the importance of listening to and valuing the voices and stories within our community.
“One of the greatest joys of bringing Sonic Bloom to life has been capturing the experiences and stories of the parks and gardens workforce and volunteers. Their knowledge, passion, and love for these spaces are truly inspiring and have deeply enriched this project. It is their dedication and care that make our parks and gardens the beautiful, inviting places that the public enjoys so much.
“By incorporating their voices and stories into the soundscapes, we honour their contributions and create a deeper connection between the community and these cherished spaces. It’s a privilege to share their enthusiasm and commitment through this project, allowing the public to experience the profound joy and beauty that these individuals bring to Bendigo’s parks and gardens.”
