Flight for Freedom
TEMPORARY EXHIBITION
Dates: March 2025 - March 2026
The District Docklands, Melbourne VIC, Australia
Visit the sculpture, click for map >
Birds fill our world with music and wonder. Their colourful plumage, spectacular songs, and mesmerising acrobatics make the sky a magical place. Beyond their beauty, birds play a crucial role in keeping ecosystems in balance, acting as natural pest controllers, pollinators, and seed dispersers.
Despite their importance, many bird species are under threat. In Europe, 38% of bird populations are at risk. In South Australia, endemic species have lost over 30% of their populations following the devastating 2019-20 bushfires. Globally, nearly half of all bird species are in decline.
‘Flight for Freedom,’ a breathtaking new public sculpture by Gillie and Marc, shines a light on this urgent issue. Set to be installed at The District Docklands from March 2025 to March 2026, this artwork celebrates birdlife’s diversity and calls for action to protect them. Featuring Rabbitwoman and Dogman hosting a grand banquet for a flock of birds, the sculpture invites the public to experience the magic of birds up close and recognise their essential place in our world.
Rabbitwoman and Dogman, iconic characters created by internationally renowned artists Gillie and Marc, symbolise diversity, acceptance, and unity. Their adventures take them across the world, inspiring people to embrace love, compassion, and a deeper connection with nature. Through their public art, Gillie and Marc share powerful messages about conservation, inclusion, and the need to protect wildlife.
For Marc, this project is deeply personal. Growing up in Melbourne, he was surrounded by the city’s vibrant birdlife - from rainbow lorikeets in backyard trees to pelicans gliding over the bay. “Melbourne has always had a special connection with its birds,” says Marc.
“I remember watching them in the parks and along the Yarra River. They filled the air with their songs and made the city feel alive. With ‘Flight for Freedom,’ we want to remind people of this magic and why we must protect it.”
“Birds are such an integral part of our environment, yet many species are in danger,” say Gillie and Marc. “Through ‘Flight for Freedom,’ we want to inspire people to appreciate these incredible creatures and take action to protect them. By making these birds larger than life, we’re asking people to recognise their immense importance.”
This interactive sculpture transforms The District Docklands’ Event Plaza into a scene of joy, connection, and reflection. With three spare seats at the table, visitors are invited to sit, snap photos, and join a global conversation about conservation and sustainability. An accompanying plaque shares the deeper meaning behind the artwork, encouraging action to protect our feathered friends.
‘Flight for Freedom’ is part of the broader Love The Last project, a social movement using public art to raise awareness and support for endangered animals worldwide. Through thought-provoking sculptures, Gillie and Marc’s work sparks meaningful conversations and inspires change.
The District Docklands, a vibrant hub of art, culture, and dining, provides the perfect setting for this installation. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a family seeking adventure, or simply passing by, this sculpture promises to be an unmissable highlight - one that sparks joy, curiosity, and a renewed appreciation for the birds that share our world.
Don’t miss your chance to experience ‘Flight for Freedom’ at The District Docklands from March 2025 to March 2026.
Take a seat at the table, embrace the magic of birdlife, and be part of the movement to protect our skies.
