I can’t imagine a better use of a disused carpark than to turn it into a creative space and art gallery! And that’s exactly what the team at MPavilion have done with the Parkade carpark on Little Collins Street!
What is MPavilion?
MPavilion is an annual initiative between the Nomi Milgrom Foundation, program which sees a pavilion being designed by an outstanding architect, and then stationed in Queen Victoria Gardens as the hub for a free program season all sorts of shows and experiences, including kids and family friendly events.
At the end of the season, the pavilion is moved to a permanent home. Previous pavilions have been installed in locations including Docklands, Melbourne Zoo and Monash University’s Clayton Campus.
This year, MPavilion has been adapted to respond to a greater need than ever to support our artists, and a need to make more shows accessible to a greater audience. Instead of commissioning a new pavilion, Parkade is being reimagined for use. There will also be events at other sites to improve accessibility and allow larger participation numbers.
Events will run between 12 November 2020 and 5 April 2021, with a denser schedule for kids and families during January 2021.
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What is Parkade?
It’s a Melbourne CBD carpark, of architectural significance because it was designed by Peter McIntyre, who has also designed buildings such as The Jam Factory and the 1956 Olympic swimming pool.
Level 7 of Parkade is being used in January for MPavilion’s takeover. It’s an adaptive re-use of a space, sending a conservational message about repurposing.
Are there virtual events?
A significant portion of events are virtual this year, making them ultimately accessible a wider community than ever.
But during January, the MPavilion Parkade takeover will see a range of live events, with additional live events at the Docklands, including lots that are suitable for kids and families.
What’s on for Kids at MPavilion during January?
Yogabean Kids Yoga
Running at Parkade Friday 8 January, Friday 15 January, Friday 22 January and Friday 29 January, free event, but register prior to attend. This is an age appropriate yoga session best suited for kids aged 2 – 11 (although families are welcome to join in), with games, activities and relaxation to help kids develop skills for life.
Circus in the City
Running at Parkade Monday 11 – Thursday 14 January, free event, but register prior to attend. This is a circus session designed for kids aged 6 -13 years. Westside Circus’ skilled instructors will be teaching basic circus skills, suitable for all abilities and backgrounds.
Grass, Twigs, Leaves!: Botanical Monoprinting with Tarrawarra Museum of Art
Running at Parkade Sunday 17 January, free event, but register prior to attend. Session designed for kids aged 5 – 12 years, and facilitated by artist and educator Bronwyn Ward. Children will use botanical elements and monoprinting techniques to contribute to a collaborative artwork inspired by the work of Judy Watson.
Prehistoric Art, Music and Dance with Ventana Collective
Running at Docklands Monday 18 January, free event but register prior to attend. This is a community session – part interactive workshop and part interactive performance – where children and adults can explore sound, movement, nature and each other. The session will use items found in the environment, and culminate in a dance, music and rhythm session.
PARTS in the Pavilion
Running at Docklands Tuesday 19 January, free event but register prior to attend. PARTS uses the most ordinary objects for loose parts play, inviting collaboration and creativity.
Planks Block-Play
Running at Docklands Wednesday 20 January, free event but register prior to attend. Run by Green Hat Workshop, who facilitate education and play program. Session provides 25000 blocks to play with, with displays created by Green Hat Workshop to draw inspiration from.
Melbourne Carbonscape
Running at Parkade Wednesday 27 January, free event but register prior to attend. Designed as part of the M Curators program, collaborating with artist researchers from Local Alternatives and the Creative Agency Lab at RMIT. This is a hands on workshop for 12 – 14 year olds, constructing a landscape that works towards being carbon neutral.
Design for Post-Carbon-Neutral Melbourne
Running at Parkade Wednesday 27 January, free event but register prior to attend. Designed as part of the M Curators program, collaborating with artist researchers from Local Alternatives and the Creative Agency Lab at RMIT. This workshop is for 12 – 14 year olds, and asks participants to create a design for post-carbon-neutral Melbourne. Working with like-minded people, designs can be as crazy or simple as you like.
Selected other sessions are family friendly, such as Infinity Parasite (with Slow Art Collective, a collaborative project to transform the Docklands Pavilion with bamboo, yarn and plant matter), and MMW Presents Dog Day Afternoon with Henry Wagons (a music afternoon for humans and their dogs). Browse the MPavilion program for more events.
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