Skywhales Across Australia: Mornington Peninsula launch

Patricia Piccinini, a prominent contemporary artist from Australia, presents her captivating hot air-balloon sculptures, Skywhale and Skywhalepapa, at Dallas Brooks Park in Mornington.

Skywhales Across Australia: Mornington Peninsula provides a remarkable 90-minute opportunity to experience the enchanting ascent of the Skywhales at dawn.

Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy coffee or breakfast from onsite vendors while watching the balloons inflate and rise into the sky.

A captivating soundscape enhances the atmosphere, leading to an inspiring introduction from the artist herself. As the morning light illuminates Mornington, the Skywhales soar, uplifting the spirits of all present.

This project embodies themes of care, family, and community. The gradual inflation process allows the balloons to come to life, rising from the ground as they fill with warm air. Weather permitting, they will take flight together once fully inflated.

The celebration continues at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) with a special sunrise session starting at 7:30 am, featuring children's activities and a book signing with Patricia Piccinini. Participants can join in karaoke to musician Jess Green's song We are the Skywhales, and enjoy creative treats inspired by the Skywhale theme.

DETAILS

Skywhales Across Australia at Mornington Peninsula
Saturday 26 April, Dallas Brooks Park, Mornington
FREE ADMISSION

5:30 am: Site opens
6:35 am: Welcome and artist address
6:57 am: Launch of Skywhale and Skywhalepapa (sunrise)

7:30 am: MPRG Sunrise Session - Free children's activities and access to MPRG's Autumn exhibitions. MPRG, Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Entry is free from 5:30 am.
  
• The Skywhales will slowly inflate for 90 minutes, aiming to take flight at sunrise, subject to weather conditions.
  
• The morning's activities conclude at 7:30 am, followed by additional Skywhale festivities at MPRG.
  
• As it may be chilly at sunrise, warm clothing and waterproof shoes are recommended.
  
• Attendees should bring a flashlight, blanket, and breakfast picnic to enjoy while awaiting the launch near the sports field fence.
  
• Food and beverage vendors will be available on site.
  
• Adverse weather may prevent a flight, but a tethered launch might still occur. Updates will be sent three days prior to the event regarding the flight's likelihood.

Parking options include:

- HomeCo Mornington shopping centre carpark (with 6 Tesla charging stations)
- Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery & Civic Reserve (access from Dunns Rd)
- Nearby streets: Watt Rd, Torca Terrace, Progress St & Bruce St
- Accessible parking is available at Dallas Brooks Park, next to the clubrooms.

Image credits: Patricia Piccinini, Skywhalepapa, 2020, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, © Patricia Piccinini

Patricia Piccinini, Skywhalepapa, 2020 and Skywhale, 2013, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, © Patricia Piccinini

The Skywhales Across Australia initiative is supported by the Australian Government and contributes to the National Collecting Institutions Touring Outreach Program.