Currents of Practice is an annual arts program shaped by a guiding theme, bringing together contemporary art, place and community through World Wetlands Day.

In 2026, Currents of Practice unfolds across multiple sites on the Mornington Peninsula, including an exhibition at Coolart Wetlands (24 January - 2 February), in-situ artist talks, a public Q&A at the Coolart Observatory, and a workshop led by Kate Gorringe-Smith. Together, these elements celebrate wetlands while opening longer conversations toward the 2027 theme, Wetlands for Sustainable Cities.

Friends of Coolart (FOC) and Western Port Biosphere will also present their own programming, with bookings (including the Q&A with Tracee Hutchison) via https://coolart.org.au/coming-events/

On 2 February, The Revillaging Project will open its gates as part of the 2026 World Wetlands Day celebrations, inviting community to gather in conversation, care and connection with the wetlands that sustain life on the Mornington Peninsula.

The morning program will be a guided conversation facilitated by broadcaster, author and filmmaker Tracee Hutchison, with contributions from Gidja Walker OAM, Indigo McKeon and The Revillaging Project owner Josh Melnick.

Gidja will provide a framing introduction, setting context for the wider World Wetlands Day program and offering insight into the 2027 theme, Wetlands for Sustainable Cities.

Introducing Gidja Walker OAM - ecologist, artist, natural systems educator and long-time advocate for wetlands across the Mornington Peninsula’s fragile wetland and coastal ecologies. As part of Currents of Practice 2026, Gidja will launch her new publication Fringe Dwellers of Wurnmarrinh, created in collaboration with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation and the Western Port Biosphere. The publication explores the ecological significance of saltmarsh through decades of field-based research.

Her contribution at Tootgarook situates local wetlands within the wider network of the Western Port Ramsar-listed wetlands and the UNESCO-designated Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve - interconnected systems of stewardship, knowledge and resilience shaping more sustainable futures for both people and nature.

What to bring to the Revillaging Project
A hat, water bottle, and a small cushion or pillow for indoor seating.

Separately ticketed workshop

A gentle, all-ages workshop combining guided walking meditation and the creation of a collective offering to the wetlands. Through intention, movement and symbolic action, participants will create a collective ephemeral mandala as a shared act of care and presence.

Please note: Elizabeth West’s workshop tickets are limited and must be booked separately from general entry.

For updates and program information, visit https://coolart.org.au/coming-events/ and follow https://www.instagram.com/currents.of.practice/

Presented on Bunurong / Boon Wurrung Country.

Contact the host of Currents of Practice