It’s time to step up to the tee and hope for a hole-in-one, because Rising – Melbourne’s beloved winter arts festival – has just revealed its very first creative commission as part of the 2025 program. And if you happen to be a fan of golf and experimental art, you’re going to love it.
Swingers – The Art of Mini Golf is an immersive exhibition that also happens to double as a fully playable (and truly surreal) nine-hole mini golf course. It will feature works by some of the world’s most dynamic and boundary-pushing female-identifying artists, including Miranda July, Kaylene Whiskey, Saeborg, Nabilah Nordin and Delaine Le Bas.
While the exact details of each artist’s contribution is still under wraps, visitors can expect everything from latex creatures and politically charged sculptures to speculative storytelling through mythology and technology.
“The history of mini golf is surprisingly subversive and sits at the heart of this project,” said Rising’s senior curator, Grace Herbert. “It’s been incredible to see how each artist has taken this on. Alongside playing mini golf and experiencing the artworks, you might have your fortune told, travel to desert country, become a human-animal hybrid or even find yourself singing along to Dolly Parton.”
In case you didn’t know, the OG mini golf game was created by Scottish women back in the 19th century, who were banned from playing on ‘real’ golf courses but refused to sit on the sidelines watching. Over the years it developed into the putt-putt we know and love today – often with flashing neon lights, novelty holes and silly obstacles.
Swingers – The Art of Mini Golf will take over the Flinders Street Station Ballroom and upper level, making it the third time that Rising has transformed the historic space after it lay dormant for four decades. It will open on June 4 (the first day of Rising) and enjoy an extended run until August 31. You can find out about tickets via the website.
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