The City of Melbourne continues to celebrate ArtPlay’s 20-year milestone with the return of RAIN – an interactive installation and soothing sanctuary.
Initially developed as a theatre performance in 2012 through the ArtPlay New Ideas Lab incubator, RAIN will now be presented as a sensory exhibition for families.
Taking over the ArtPlay gallery until April 2025, RAIN offers a moment of contemplation and curiosity, while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. RAIN is an exhibition to chill, where visitors can rest and reflect while lounging on big, soft, luscious cushions.
Encapsulating the mesmerising sounds of rain, the interactive collage provides a place that encourages connection with playful reflective puddles and moveable large fuzzy felt pieces.
Inside children and their carers can take a moment to listen to the soothing soundscape created by sound designer Zoë Barry, which weaves soothing cello, gentle humming and evocative weather-scapes. RAIN responds to the seasons of relationships – it captures the ever-changing dynamics between parents and children.
“We have noticed how challenging it is for families to find places to rest in the centre of Melbourne. Our focus was to create a lush, sensory space that encourages families and visitors to playfully connect together,” said Sarah Lockwood, Threshold Co-Director.
Produced by Threshold, RAIN at ArtPlay is reimagined as an interactive exhibition with artists Liz Francis, Nikita Hederics, Zoë Barry and Sarah Lockwood.
Originally created by The SEAM, Drop Bear Theatre and Edwina Cordingley, RAIN has had sold out national and international tours, including at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, Macao Cultural Centre in China, International Arts Carnival in Hong Kong and Sydney Opera House.
RAIN – an ArtPlay interactive exhibition
ArtPlay – Birrarung Marr (behind Fed Square), Melbourne
Season continues to April 2025 (Thursday – Sunday)
Free entry
For more information, visit: www.melbourne.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: RAIN at ArtPlay – photo by Darren Gill