Peninsula LIVE: Music History Story Wall

Image: Scene from 'Climb in the back with your head in the clouds, and you’re gone,' Jessie Willow Tucker

Peninsula LIVE: Stories from the Mornington Peninsula is a new public art project celebrating the region’s rich and diverse music history—from early community halls and church choirs to pub rock legends and contemporary festivals. Presented at the iconic StoryWall in Mornington, the project brings together local stories to honour the Peninsula’s enduring live music culture.

About the Public Art exhibition

When: Friday 1 May – Thursday 6 August

What: Public Art titled, Climb in the back with your head in the clouds, and you’re gone

Artist: Jessie Willow Tucker

Where: Mornington Peninsula Shire (external wall) - 2 Queen Street Mornington

"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". - Jessie Willow Tucker

Instagram: @jessiewillowtucker and @jessiewillowtucker_illustrates

Peninsula LIVE: Stories from the Mornington Peninsula - A region’s music history comes to life through public art.

Music has long been the heartbeat of the Mornington Peninsula — and this autumn, its stories will take centre stage. 

At its core, Peninsula LIVE traces more than a century of music making across the region. From brass bands and social dances of the late 1800s, to the rise of formal music societies in the mid-twentieth century, and the explosive pub rock scene that launched bands such as Australian Crawl and The Fauves, the exhibition reveals how music has shaped and been shaped by the Peninsula’s identity. 

The project also highlights the contemporary music landscape, where local venues, wineries, festivals and major events continue to support a thriving and diverse creative scene. 

A key feature of the project is a large-scale public artwork installed on the Mornington StoryWall. Commissioned local artist Jessie Willow Tucker has created a bold vinyl collage using community submitted materials, including gig posters, tickets, photographs and personal archives, transforming local music ephemera into a striking visual tribute to the region’s grassroots gig culture 

A public program will accompany the exhibition, including a live talk and reading to be announced soon, bringing the Peninsula’s music stories off the wall and into the room and offering deeper insight into the people, places and moments that have shaped the region’s sound. 

The initiative is delivered as part of the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s broader Peninsula LIVE program. 

The project directly supports the Mornington Peninsula Shire Music Plan, celebrating the local music sector and ensuring its stories are recognised and valued. It also aligns with the Shire’s Public Art Policy, activating public spaces, supporting local creatives and fostering community connection through shared cultural experiences. 

What is Peninsula LIVE?

Peninsula LIVE is presented by Mornington Peninsula Shire in partnership with the Live Music Office, OneMusic Australia and APRA AMCOS. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia. It's a dynamic initiative designed to boost our local music ecosystem and create real impact. This isn't just about performances; it's about building a stronger, more connected, and economically vibrant music community right here on the Peninsula.

Find out more: Peninsula LIVE - a Live and Local Program