Image credit: Marcel Feillafe

We The People: A bold exploration of Geelong’s activist legacy in new public artwork

Geelong is about to get a whole lot louder—and we’re not just talking about the street traffic.

In a powerful new site-specific project, artist Katie Sfetkidis is bringing the city’s rich history of protest to life with We the People, an interactive public artwork that invites locals to explore Geelong’s diverse activism scene, from marches down Moorabool Street to LGBTIQ+ rights, women’s rights, and beyond.

Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.

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Starting Thursday 13 March, you can pop by Katie’s bright yellow booth in Market Square to dive into this creative journey through time. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about the power of protest, this project has something for everyone. The booth is packed with a curated collection of historical records, community interviews, and even creative responses from local artists, giving you a fresh, hands-on way to connect with Geelong’s activist past and present.

Here’s the lowdown on what’s happening:

Thursday 13 March:

12:00pm – 5:00pm: The booth is open for drop-ins! Come have a chat with Katie, explore the collection, and leave your thoughts in the ‘Protest Book’—a collaborative document of community action. Your voice matters!
6:00pm: 11 Echoes of Resistance— Katie Sfetkidis performs a powerful piece that ties together the themes of protest and resistance.

Friday 14 March:

11:00am – 5:00pm: Back at the booth for another round of chats, collection exploration, and protest book signings. Just a heads up; the booth will be closed from 2:00pm – 3:00pm for a private session.

Saturday 15 March:

10:00am – 1:00pm: The booth is open again for you to drop in, learn, and leave your mark in the Protest Book.
2:00pm – 4:00pm: 11 Legacies of Protest Community Round Table Conversation at Platform Arts, 60 Little Malop Street. Join Katie, local activists, artists, and historians for a lively conversation about Geelong’s protest history and its relevance to civic participation today. Afternoon tea will be provided (and you know we love a good cuppa!).

Sunday 16 March:

12:00pm – 4:00pm: Final booth session! Drop in to add your thoughts to the Protest Book, and witness the final collation of all collected material.

We the People was made possible by the City of Greater Geelong Arts Projects Grant, Platform Arts, and Creative Victoria, and it’s definitely not one to miss. Whether you’re passionate about activism or just interested in learning about the local history that helped shape Geelong, this project is an exciting opportunity to get involved. So, head on down to Market Square, make your voice heard, and join in the celebration of Geelong’s activist legacies.

Get ready to make some noise!