Incinerator x MADA Talk Series: Grounds for Risky Play

Incinerator x MADA Talk Series: Grounds for Risky Play is the launch event of The Playground Project Melbourne, an exhibition and public program celebrating the history of playground design and presenting three playgrounds and a First Nations public art commission at Incinerator Gallery from 28 June to 12 October 2025.

In partnership with Monash Art Design Architecture, the exhibition’s Education Partner, this is the first of three public talks to investigate the role of suburban revitalisation, creative placemaking and community development.

Join local artists, designers, city planners and other experts for an afternoon of presentations and discussions about bold and brilliant playgrounds based in Melbourne, including: The Cubbies (Fitzroy Adventure Playground) and The Venny (Flemington) by David Kutcher; Nelson’s Nature Play (Royal Park) by Jeff Nelson; Ian Potter Foundation’s Children’s Garden (Royal Botanic Gardens) by Andrew Laidlaw; and Incinerator Gallery’s new Ringtails Playground by Holly Board and Pete Grove. Visitors will have the opportunity to discuss play and mobility with MADA academics, Jason R. Crow and Charity Edwards and Barking Spider Creative’s Penelope Bartlau. A keynote presentation by artist Mike Hewson in discussion with Spiros Panigirakis (Head of Fine Art, MADA) will explore his public art commission, Rocks on Wheels (Risky Playground, Southbank) and the necessary role of risk in art, design and public spaces.

The Playground Project Melbourne is curated by internationally acclaimed Swiss urban planner and political scientist, Gabriela Burkhalter and presented by Moonee Valley City Council at Incinerator Gallery from 28 June to 12 October 2025.

Project Partner: Kunsthalle Zurich
Major Partner: Jellis Craig / Jellis Craig Foundation
Education Partner: Monash Art Design & Architecture