A touring digital installation that celebrates the wonder of Australia's unique birdlife has been unveiled in the Civic Square South Court, hosted by the Orange Regional Museum.
The Birds of Australia 3D storytelling cube is presented by the Australian Museum and brings to life the iconic 19th century bird illustrations of English ornithologist John Gould and his wife Elizabeth, together with First Nations storytelling and insights into the challenges facing many of Australia's native birds today.
The digital display coincides with Biodiversity Month, which is held in September each year to promote the importance of connecting with nature and caring for nature in all its diversity.
Orange City Council's Environmental Sustainability Community Committee Chair, Cr David Mallard encouraged everyone to come along and enjoy the interactive installation, which will be on show in the Civic Square South Court from 1 September to 26 November.
BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA: The touring digital installation is on display in the Civic Square South Court.
"As we head into spring this is a great opportunity to not only admire some of the finest bird illustrations ever published but also celebrate the incredible biodiversity we enjoy here in Australia," Cr Mallard said.
"History, art, science, sustainability and digital innovation will combine to make this a unique experience for the audience."
The Birds of Australia STORYBOX traces the Goulds' journey as they travelled across NSW in the 1800s on one of the most significant birding expeditions in history.
You can use your mobile phone to interact with the illustrations and hear First Nations stories, bird calls, complete activities, and learn about current habitat pressures facing many of the birds featured in Gould's collection and what you can do to help endangered birds in your area.
Orange Regional Museum and Local Land Services will hold a special educational art-making event on Friday 1 September to launch the installation and highlight the plight of endangered birds in the Central West. Students from Spring Hill Public School will be working with
professional chalk artists from ZEST Events International to create a 3D chalk mural of a flock of Superb Parrots on the South Court steps.
On Friday 8 September, the museum's regular ORM Talks will feature Dr Ross Crates, a Postdoctoral fellow with the Difficult Bird Research Group at the Australian National University, who will present his research investigating the dynamics, monitoring and conservation genomics of the Regent Honeyeater.
ORM Talks will be held from 6pm-8pm. Tickets cost $15 and can be booked via Eventbrite.
The Birds of Australia STORYBOX is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW Blockbusters Funding initiative. STORYBOX is the creation of digital art and design studio Esem Projects.
