Local composers Damien Charles and Kate Lucas will write a Ballarat-specific music piece to complement the 1000 Doors – A Door Within A Door art installation, designed by artists Christian Wagstaff and Keith Courtney.
Opening from 25 August through to 3 October, 1000 Doors is designed as a labyrinth linking different environments and rooms that all have a feeling of dystopia and loss.
“We were so thrilled to be able to create a soundscape for 1000 Doors,” Kate said.
“We’re big fans of Christian and Keith’s work and we can’t wait for people to experience the exhibition right here in Ballarat. It’s the perfect place for it.
“Without revealing too much, the piece incorporates modified found sounds (non-musical sounds), synthesised textures and audio nostalgia fragments that are meaningful to us and reflect what we know about Ballarat. Hopefully it’ll stir something up in people who come to experience it too.”
Christian and Keith are equally enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with local composers.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed the process so far in selecting the successful composers,” Keith said.
“Ballarat has a wealth of incredible creative talent, so it made the process a very difficult one. Damien and Kate are to be congratulated on their professionalism and creative approach, and we’re excited to see how they respond to the brief.
“While the piece of music is specific to Ballarat, we might well continue to integrate it into the installation in other locations. We like to take a piece of each city we visit.”
Ballarat’s history will appear embedded in the installation in other ways as well, with Federation University’s historian and lecturer Dr David Waldron engaged to add authentic “witch marks” to the inside of the travelling piece.
“Traditionally these markings were used on the goldfields to protect buildings from evil spirits and from fire,” Keith said.
City of Ballarat Councillor Belinda Coates said excitement is building ahead of the exhibition opening.
“As a Creative City we are committed to encouraging world class touring shows to visit, and we are also committed to ensuring our own creative sector can directly connect as well as have access to creative opportunities,” Cr Coates said.
