City of Design Tour: A Journey into Creativity and Sustainability (Part 2)
After a delicious and rejuvenating lunch at Eden Oak, the Cultivated City of Design Tour continued with a visit to one of Geelong’s architectural and cultural highlights: the Geelong Arts Centre. As Australia’s largest regional performing arts centre, it seamlessly blends old and new, creating an environment where culture, creativity, and history converge. Guided by the Arts Centre’s Head of Programming, Penny McCabe, the group was taken on a journey through this dynamic space.
Note: All Photography Credits to Blue Tree Studio.
Pictured: Guests Arrive at Geelong Arts Centre
The Geelong Arts Centre is composed of two distinct architectural sections. The front façade, designed by ARM Architecture, is a vibrant and sculptural masterpiece. Bold colours and playful forms define this section, evoking joy and energy while setting the tone for the creative performances that take place inside. In contrast, the rear section, designed by Hassell Architecture, offers a serene and reflective experience. Natural colour palettes and minimalist design dominate this part of the centre, blending seamlessly with a heritage church incorporated into the building. Together, these contrasting sections provide a multi-sensory experience that celebrates both innovation and tradition.
Pictured: Penny McCabe Leading the Geelong Arts Centre Tour
Highlights of the visit included:A soundscape installation by Ngarrindjeri and Gunditjmara artist Mick Ryan, located in the Level 1 glass link foyer. Inspired by the Moonah Forest, this auditory artwork blended natural sounds—nesting birds, wind, and tree branches—with instruments like guitar and percussion. The result was a meditative experience that brought the essence of the forest into the heart of the centre.Wadawurrung artist Kait James’ vibrant 193-panel artwork, which uses reimagined Aboriginal souvenir tea towels from the 1970s and 80s. These textiles, once a symbol of cultural stereotyping, were transformed into bold and thought-provoking artworks. With humour and vivid colours, Kait’s work critiques Australia’s history while fostering cultural understanding and optimism.
Pictured: Geelong Arts Centre Tour
Pictured: Geelong Arts Centre Tour
Pictured: Guests enjoying a tour of the Geelong Arts Centre.
Pictured: Kait James’ vibrant 193-panel artwork at the Geelong Arts Centre.
After exploring the Geelong Arts Centre, the group took a short stroll to the National Wool Museum, another key stop on the tour. The museum provided a rich narrative about Australia’s agricultural heritage, highlighting both its contributions to the nation’s economy and its environmental and cultural impacts. The group learned about the displacement of First Nations peoples due to agriculture, the loss of native habitats, and the ongoing challenges of balancing economic growth with sustainability.
Pictured: The National Wool Museum
Pictured: Guests Enjoying the National Wool Museum.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum was hosting the Dowel Jones 10 Years Exhibition, a retrospective celebrating the iconic furniture brand founded by Adam Lynch and Dale Hardiman. The group enjoyed a private tour led by museum curator Josephine Rout, who shared insights into the duo’s creative journey. Over the past decade, Dowel Jones has become known for its colourful, playful, and accessible designs, as well as its commitment to sustainability.
Pictured: Josephine Rout speaking about all things Dowel Jones.
Pictured: Dowel Jones 10 Years Exhibition Tour
Pictured: Dowel Jones 10 Years Exhibition Tour.
Pictured: Dowel Jones 10 Years Exhibition Tour
The exhibition featured a mix of Dowel Jones’ most iconic products and unique one-off art pieces. The adult seesaw, a standout installation, encouraged visitors to interact with the furniture and embrace the sense of playfulness that defines the brand. The exhibition highlighted how furniture can transcend its functional purpose to become a medium for joy, creativity, and human connection.
Pictured: Eden Oak Resort.
Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to engage deeply with the themes of sustainability, creativity, and collaboration. From the Geelong Arts Centre’s blending of old and new to the National Wool Museum’s exploration of history and innovation, the tour provided countless opportunities for reflection and inspiration.
Pictured: Geelong Arts Centre Tour.
Pictured: Geelong Arts Centre Tour.
As the sun began to set, the group boarded the bus for the journey back to Melbourne. The atmosphere was filled with energy and excitement, with guests sharing ideas, insights, and newfound connections. The City of Design Tour was more than just a day out—it was a celebration of design’s potential to drive positive change. Through engaging with First Nations artists, witnessing innovative student projects, exploring adaptive reuse architecture, and experiencing playful and sustainable furniture design, participants walked away inspired by the possibilities of a more sustainable and creative future.
Cultivated is proud to have facilitated this event and to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about sustainability and the circular economy in design. We look forward to future opportunities to connect, collaborate, and showcase the incredible talent and innovation within our community.
Pictured: National Wool Museum Tour
