the Listener

BACKGROUND: 'the Listener' is a public sculpture and functional radio telescope exhibited at Federation Square as part of the 'Melbourne Prize for Urban Sculpture 2014'. 'the Listener' continues Mitchell's research into electromagnetic spectrum as both sculptural medium and social space. Previous works in this field include 'Crystal Radio Garments' (Substation, 2013) and 'P2P FM' (Blindside Gallery, 2009). CONTRIBUTION: 'the Listener' operates across multiple scales and fields of practice, drawing connections between public sculpture and the publics that form through practices of making. The work builds on amateur DIY radio projects and iconic radio telescope design. 'the Listener' is supported and enriched through participation with the Radio Astronomy Section of the Astronomical Society of Victoria and input from RMIT radio communication experts David Welch and Dr. Thomas Baum. The socially-engaged nature of the work contributes to an understanding of public sculpture as both representational and productive of social relations. SIGNIFICANCE: The Melbourne Prize was set up in 2004 to provide opportunities for artists, reward excellence and talent and enrich public life. The urban sculpture prize is awarded once every four years. It is one of Australia's most significant sculpture prizes. A panel of eminent arts professionals, including Tony Ellwood (director of the NGV), Juliana Engberg (director of ACCA) and Professor Callum Morton (Head of Fine Art, Monash University) selected the six Melbourne Prize finalists and 'the Listener' was exhibited alongside the 5 others at Melbourne's Federation Square. Coverage of the prize included: Gina McColl, 'Farewell to forever', The Age, 13 Dec 2014; Dan Rule, 'Urban sculpture prize winner has moving parts', Sydney Morning Herald, 13 Nov 2014.