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In Situ
March - June 2022
In Situ was a series of art installations, performances, gatherings, and events co-designed and programmed by local artists into public spaces across Dandenong, Noble Park, and Springvale.
Overview:
In Situ was a vibrant series of art installations, performances, gatherings, and events co-designed with local artists and brought to life in public spaces across Dandenong, Noble Park, and Springvale from March to June 2022.
Each activation celebrated the creativity and strengths of the City of Greater Dandenong's diverse communities, fostering cultural exchange through storytelling, shared values, and artistic practices across multiple artforms. At its heart, In Situ embraced community-driven methods and cultural design, ensuring the program was deeply rooted in local identity and expression.
Funded by the City of Greater Dandenong as part of the State Government’s Outdoor Economy Package, this initiative aimed to enliven public spaces and support cultural and economic growth in the region.
Outcomes:
MAV delivered events and engaged with over 100 artists from diverse artistic backgrounds, experiences, and cultural identities.
New Beginnings Community Welcome Celebration
Sunday 20 February
Harmony Square, Dandenong
Committed to creating an inviting and inclusive city, the free New Beginnings welcome event sought to connect the Afghan community in the south east region to local arts and culture and provides opportunities for them to learn more about a range of available services like housing, employment, food and material aid.
Our Beat: Pre-Launch
24 February 2022
Crump Lane, Dandenong
Our Beat was a monthly open stage night that brought together musicians, artists, actors, comedians, dancers, and the community. It was more than a gig—it offered a chance to connect with like-minded people, meet local talent, and even take the stage. The event was free and open to all people and all art forms.
In Situ Launch
6 March 2022
Multicultural Place, Dandenong
The launch of In Situ came alive with music, dance, and elemental frequencies pulsating to global rhythms, celebrating the incredible women of the community in the lead-up to International Women’s Day. The event featured live performances and demonstrations by an exceptional lineup of talent, including Sounds of Polynesia, Natalia Mann, Jay Dabgar Trio, the Kathak Dancers, DJ NARU with freestyle movement maker Dee, and culminated with a rhythmical high by Ausecuma Beats. This event marked the beginning of a two-month program of art installations, performances, gatherings, and events co-designed by local artists and brought to public spaces across the region.
Makers Market x NEWPRINT’S SEVO
6 March 2022
Heritage Hill and Gardens, Dandenong
Maker's Market collaborated with South East’s Very Own (SEVO) for a vibrant afternoon of live R&B and soul music paired with a curated market featuring local artists and makers. Held at Dandenong’s Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, the event showcased musical performances by ELAURA, Lao, Sene, Mr. Congo, and more, alongside a maker's market curated by the WOT Collective. Attendees enjoyed browsing and purchasing unique creations from local makers, many of whom appreciated the rare opportunity to connect with their community in person. With a DJ providing lively entertainment and a picturesque setting, the event offered a unique blend of art, music, and community connection.
Our Beat: Spoken Word Poetry Takeover
24 March 2022
The Drum Theatre, Dandenong
Our Beat hosted a powerful Spoken Word Takeover in collaboration with The Drum, featuring an evening of storytelling through spoken word poetry, music, dance, and weaving. The event brought together diverse voices from different cultures, genders, and faiths, including 2020 Australian Slam Poet Ren Alessandra, Pasifika Trans activist Amao Leota Lu, Mr. Congo, Chichi Nwokocha, DJ Naru, Tane Te Manu McRoberts (weaver), and music duo Anne and Carlo, with special guest appearances by Grace Vanilau and Taga Barrio. With captivating performances and a vibrant set design by Margo and crew, the event celebrated connection, creativity, and community expression.
Our Beat: Dance Takeover
21 April 2022
Crump Lane, Dandenong
Our Beat – South East Sessions was a dynamic open stage event that brought together musicians, artists, actors, comedians, dancers, and the community, creating a unique space to connect with talent, share creativity, and take the stage. As part of the In Situ program, this special collaboration between The Drum and MAV featured a vibrant Cypher where dancers exchanged, introduced, and showcased their unique styles, celebrating the power of movement and artistic expression.
323 Block Party
7 May 2022
Multicultural Place, Springvale
The 323 Block Party celebrated peace, love, and unity through dance, music, and community. Featuring exhibition dance battles, a massive dance floor, and top DJs spinning into the night, the event embodied the spirit of hip-hop culture. Created by a collective of artists and entrepreneurs—including FLYING ART STUDIOS®, founded by David Nguyen and Kim Long Nem, Gud St., a Melbourne-based streetwear label, and DJ Antagonize, a Melbourne-based DJ and Krumper— the 323 Block Party brought together a shared passion for creativity, movement, and connection.
UPROCK! + Live Art
21 May 2022
Lonsdale Street and Langhorne Place, Dandenong
Uprock, also known as Rocking or Rock Dance, was celebrated in an event that brought this competitive battle dance, originating from New York's boroughs, to the streets of Dandenong. Known for its dynamic movements like the jerk and gestures called burns, Uprock is considered a precursor to modern hip-hop styles like Breaking, showcasing the roots of hip-hop culture through non-contact, non-violent mock battles. The event featured dance artist Anthony Lawang (Lamaroc9), who shared his expertise in Rocking. The evening also included live art by Melbourne-based artist Resio, whose work blended Abstract Expressionism, Action Painting, and graffiti influences, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The night concluded with a lively jam session hosted by Southeast Sessions, celebrating the spirit of hip-hop and community.
NPK Illuminate + AKC Artsbus
28 May 2022
Buckley Carpark, Noble Park
The NPK Illuminate and ArtsBus event brought the community together to welcome the start of winter with creative workshops, live performances, light puppets, and projection art. Held at Buckley Carpark in Noble Park, the event was co-designed by MAV, Drum Theatre, and the Artists for Kids Culture ArtsBus, featuring the work of 10 talented artists. With an audience of around 30, primarily families who stayed throughout the event, the evening fostered a warm and engaging atmosphere.
Ausecuma Beats + AKC Artsbus
5 June 2022
Dandenong Market, Dandenong
MAV and Dandenong Market came together to host a vibrant afternoon of music, dance, and community celebration. The event featured the dynamic Ausecuma Beats, whose driving rhythms and melodies energised the crowd. Families enjoyed free, creative activities, including children’s workshops hosted by the AKC Arts Bus and a story weave circle led by international weavers. The event celebrated community, life, language, heart, and culture, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere for all who attended.
Total Number of Artists:
191
Total Audiences:
3870+
InSitu was a MAV Project, funded through the The City of Dandenong as part of the Victoria Government Outdoor Economy Package.
