Sounding histories: facilitating The Seafarer’s Mission transition from a service facility into a living museum

Melbourne’s Mission to Seafarer’s (MTS) with its distinctive heritage architecture, is part of an international organisation supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of 1.5 million seafarers and maintains a deep connection to the art and culture of maritime activities. In 2017, MTS will transform its site, and its cultural legacy, by introducing a curated live art project. Working across the disciplines of history, performance and architecture, seven leading Australian artists will activate the transition from a “mission” into a living museum, inviting audiences to experience historical, archival material that provide new and expanded forms of public engagement. This shift from a place of refuge and memorabilia to rethinking assorted contexts of space, time and history will be demonstrated by a professional exhibition, research publication and documentary video