A NEW public art project tracing more than a century of live music on the Mornington Peninsula will be on display at the StoryWall at Mornington Shire Office from 1 May to 6 August.
Peninsula LIVE: Stories from the Mornington Peninsula is a vinyl collage by commissioned local artist Jessie Willow Tucker, created from community-submitted gig posters, tickets, photographs and personal archives. The work transforms music ephemera into a visual tribute to the region’s grassroots gig culture.
“This work is a celebration of local live music. The style is inspired by an illustrated Beatles lyrics book I loved as a kid that played a formative role in establishing my visual language. The shape of sound waves flows along the length of the work. Twisting vines express the sensory, physical and emotional impact of live music, community connection, imagination and the organic nature of the growth of cultural movements and art styles,” said Jessie Willow Tucker.
The project traces music-making across the Peninsula from the brass bands and social dances of the late 1800s, through the formal music societies that emerged in the mid-twentieth century, to the pub rock scene that launched bands including Australian Crawl and The Fauves. It also acknowledges the contemporary music scene, with local venues, wineries, festivals and major events continuing to support a thriving creative community.
“Peninsula LIVE is a powerful celebration of the Mornington Peninsula’s rich musical heritage and the vibrant creative community that continues to shape it today. This project not only honours the stories, places and people behind more than a century of live music, but also brings them to life in a way that is accessible and inspiring for everyone. By transforming community memories into a striking public artwork, we’re creating a shared space where locals and visitors can connect with the Peninsula’s unique cultural identity and enduring love of music,” said Acting Mayor Councillor Paul Pingiaro.
For more information, visit artsandculture.mornpen.vic.gov.au/music-history or scan the QR code at the StoryWall installation.
First published in the Mornington News – 5 May 2026
