Media archive

Bank of Melbourne is bringing a taste of the National Gallery of Victoria’s remarkably successful Melbourne Now contemporary art exhibition to the wider public.

The bank, one of the exhibition’s Major Partners, has commissioned artist Juan Ford to recreate his popular You, me and the flock installation in 10 branches across metro and regional Victoria. The new creation is called When we Take Flight.

When we Take Flight adopts the same interactive model as You, me and the flock which has been one of Melbourne Now’s most engaging exhibits, particularly appealing to children. Visitors help build the artwork by placing a sticker of a bird against a panoramic sky. The space is gradually filled with an unpredictable pattern of flying birds.

Ford has designed panoramic panels for 10 Bank of Melbourne branches on which customers and visitors can stick their own birds.

“Bank of Melbourne is thrilled to sponsor the National Gallery of Victoria’s Melbourne Now exhibition and to bring a taste of this exciting exhibition to our customers and the public,” said Bank of Melbourne Chief Executive Scott Tanner.

“I’m delighted that a Melbourne artist’s work will come to life in 10 Bank of Melbourne branches across Victoria. I’m looking forward to adding a bird to Juan’s installation every time I visit a branch.”

Panels will be installed at branches in Richmond, Hawthorn, Toorak, Doncaster, Cheltenham, Mornington, Traralgon and Geelong. Bank of Melbourne CBD branches at 233 and 100 Collins Street will also contain panels. All 10 panels will be in the branches until March 19 then united to form a complete installation.

Juan Ford grew up in Melbourne and studied art at RMIT. A constant theme in his work is humanity’s relationship with the natural environment. He has exhibited extensively across Australia and internationally.

Melbourne Now has already attracted 500,000 visitors to the National Gallery of Victoria, drawing critical praise for its innovation, size and variety.

Tony Ellwood, Director, NGV, said, “Melbourne Now aims to create opportunities for the wider community to engage with and participate in the work of contemporary artists. Juan Ford's installation has attracted thousands and we are delighted that Bank of Melbourne’s initiative will take Juan’s popular work to people across metropolitan and regional Victoria.”

Mr Tanner said Bank of Melbourne was committed to creating sustainable relationships with the organisations and events that mattered to Victorians.

“Melbourne Now has been a great success story for this state and Bank of Melbourne wants more people to experience the work of our talented artists,” he said.

“I invite everybody to drop by our branches and add their personal touch to When we Take Flight.”