Five Weeks in Spring: an emotional map of Lilydale

BACKGROUND Five Weeks in Spring: an emotional map of Lilydale was a participatory artwork in the Force of Nature exhibition at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum. Within the broad field of contemporary art, this work more specifically contributes to the emerging field of socially-engaged art in Australia. While historically found in community centres and alleyways, these practices are increasingly found in contemporary art galleries and international Biennials. In collaboration with artist Tammy Wong Hulbert, the artwork was realized as a time-based performance registering citizen's emotions in response to the changing natural environment. The creation of this work was influenced by feminist performance artist Mierle Ladderman Ukeles' Three Weeks in May (1979), a durational installation which visualised the location of reported sexual assaults in Los Angeles. CONTRIBUTION Five Weeks in Spring stimulated dialogue amongst citizens, decision makers and gallery audiences, contributing to an enhanced understanding of local place. Employing a practice-led methodology, the work examines social engagement through art in a public museum context. This project is one in a series of creative cartographies in which I use the spatial process of mapping to stimulate social exchange about local issues. SIGNIFICANCE The museum has benefitted by presenting a unique live art exhibition with leading Australian artist about local interests. Socially-engaged artworks are not typically shown in formal art museum settings; therefore, this work has significance for the field. Local Council and citizens benefitted from reflecting on their changing environment. Yarra Ranges Regional Museum is a small but well-funded gallery which delivers an annual professional program of curated exhibitions. Curated by Gretel Taylor, Force of Nature was a ground breaking exhibition with artists Tony Yap and Jill Orr exploring the relationship of art and the environment. The project was funded for $10,000 through the Council arts program. There was a review by The Melbourne Critique and local television media covered the associated events.