Music has long been the heartbeat of the Mornington Peninsula - and this autumn, its stories will take centre stage.
Peninsula LIVE: Stories from the Mornington Peninsula is a new public art project celebrating the region's rich and diverse music history, from early community halls and church choirs to pub rock legends and contemporary festivals.
On display at our StoryWall at the Mornington Shire Office from 1 May - 6 August, the project brings together local stories to honour the Peninsula's enduring live music culture. Commissioned local artist Jessie Willow Tucker has created a bold vinyl collage using community submitted materials, including gig posters, tickets, photographs and personal archives, transforming local music ephemera into a striking visual tribute to the region's grassroots gig culture.
"This work is a celebration of local live music. The style is inspired by an illustrated Beatles lyrics book I loved as a kid that played a formative role in establishing my visual language. The shape of sound waves flows along the length of the work. Twisting vines express the sensory, physical and emotional impact of live music, community connection, imagination and the organic nature of the growth of cultural movements and art styles," said Jessie Willow Tucker.
At its core, Peninsula LIVE traces more than a century of music making across the region. From brass bands and social dances of the late 1800s, to the rise of formal music societies in the mid-twentieth century, and the explosive pub rock scene that launched bands such as Australian Crawl and The Fauves, the exhibition reveals how music has shaped and been shaped by the Peninsula's identity.
The project also highlights the contemporary music landscape, where local venues, wineries, festivals and major events continue to support a thriving and diverse creative scene.
The initiative is delivered as part of the Mornington Peninsula Shire's broader Peninsula LIVE program.
"Peninsula LIVE is a powerful celebration of the Mornington Peninsula's rich musical heritage and the vibrant creative community that continues to shape it today. This project not only honours the stories, places and people behind more than a century of live music, but also brings them to life in a way that is accessible and inspiring for everyone. By transforming community memories into a striking public artwork, we're creating a shared space where locals and visitors can connect with the Peninsula's unique cultural identity and enduring love of music," said Acting Mayor Councillor Paul Pingiaro.
The project directly supports the Mornington Peninsula Shire Music Plan, celebrating the local music sector and ensuring its stories are recognised and valued. It also aligns with the Shire's Public Art Policy, activating public spaces, supporting local creatives and fostering community connection through shared cultural experiences.
