Event details
The Western Treatment Plant (WTP) is a special place. It’s essential to Melbourne’s way of life, treating more than half of Melbourne’s sewage. This critical infrastructure asset is the centrepiece of a public art project aiming to break down the stigma surrounding Melbourne’s amazing sewerage system.
After successful events in 2015 and 2017, Treatment III is the third installment of an adventurous public art project developed by Public Art Commission Deakin University, in conjunction with Melbourne Water and the Hobsons Bay and Wyndham city councils. The project will draw attention to the crucial work the WTP performs in the lives of Melburnians, celebrating its unique features, communities, technologies and ecologies.
Eight leading and emerging Australian artists have been commissioned to amplify the site in music, video, installation, light and performance works. These investigate important issues like public health, the environment, intercultural relations and the Anthropocene (the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment). Artworks will be placed at Cocoroc and along 160 South Road, and for the first time will expand beyond the boundaries of the site to include the pipeline from Spotswood to Werribee.
Dates, times and bookings
Visit the artworks on a 1 hour bus tour, running during the following times:
- Friday 21 April, between 5.00pm and 10.00pm
- Saturday 22 April, between 6.30am and 6.00pm
Bookings are essential.
Parking and accessibility
Western Treatment Plant
William Thwaites Drive Entrance (Google Maps)
Tour participants arrive at the carpark, then will be guided to Cocoroc Education Hall to either visit art at Cocoroc only, or also go on the bus tour.
Bunting and lighting will clearly mark the walking path, and staff will direct foot traffic. The path is uneven; anyone who needs assistance must make contact beforehand so we can assist where needed, especially in light of this event being across darker periods.
Artists
- Anindita Banerjee
- Edwina Stevens
- Eugenia Lim
- Fiona Hillary
- Georgina Lewis
- Mick Douglas
- Peter Burke
- Rogue Academy
Funding and support
Treatment III received funding from the Victorian Government through the West Gate Tunnel Project’s West Gate Neighbourhood Fund. This project is supported by Hobsons Bay City Council, Wyndham City, Melbourne Water, Scienceworks Museum and Greening the Pipeline.