We Melburnians love our bicycles. The relatively flat landscape and the number of cycle paths make it pretty easy to scoot around the city on two wheels – and also makes Melbourne a prime location to host a live art experience inspired by cycling.
Rider Spoke is an experiential live art work coming to Melbourne for the first time this March. Presented by ACMI, Rider Spoke asks you to hop on your bike and go for a ride with no particular destination in mind. However, as you ride you'll be guided by a narrator (along with a gentle score from Blanket) who will get you thinking about people in your life and record messages for people you'll never meet – effectively making you part of the artwork.
When it premiered in 2007 at the Barbican in London, Rider Spoke was so popular that the season sold out. The work has since gone on to tour 22 cities worldwide (including Adelaide), with each iteration tailored to the specific locale. No bike? No worries – Rider Spoke can also be enjoyed on foot. All you need to participate is a smartphone.
Rider Spoke is running in Melbourne from March 2 to 6, with guests asked to meet at the Flinders Street entrance to ACMI. Time slots are available every 15 minutes from 5pm to 8pm daily. Tickets are available now or head to the website to find out more.