Bicycle game will turn Melbourne into a wonderland
The City of Melbourne and Pop Up Playground is inviting people to take part in a new interactive game that will change the way they see the city – forever!
Using a smartphone, a blue Melbourne Bike Share bike and a helmet, the interactive game 1000 Cities turns the CBD into a mythical adventure where riders will fight monsters, collect treasure and explore the hidden parts of the city.
Councillor Rohan Leppert, Chair of Arts and Culture, said this arts participation project highlights Council’s dedication to contributing to a creative city.
“1000 Cities is an innovative project that allows participants to go on a city adventure with a twist. Cities can be hard to navigate when you first arrive and the best way to get to know your way around is to explore,” said Cr Leppert.
Once participants visit the 1000 Cities site on a smartphone, they will be prompted to take out a bike at the Federation Square blue Melbourne Bike Share station. From there, the game will take riders through a series of tasks that will unlock hidden secrets about the city. Discover tucked away coffee shops, artworks, buildings, secret laneways and obscure city gems.
Rob Reid from Pop Up Playground said 1000 Cities is based on Joseph Campbell’s book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces.
“1000 Cities is your invitation to open doors that you may have not thought were there. Participants will be the hero of their own epic adventure. We are inviting international students to take part in the game, as this is a great way to get to know the city – but the game is open to anyone that would like to play,” said Rob.
A group of Melbourne-based international students worked closely with City of Melbourne and Pop Up Playground to help develop the game.
This initiative underpins City of Melbourne’s commitment to encouraging artists to explore new ways of reaching audiences, particularly through public participation, as outlined in its recently released Arts Strategy.
When: 2 – 28 February 2015
Where: Start from the Federation Square Melbourne Bike Share pod outside the Melbourne Visitor’s Centre
Cost: Free to play. You will need to have a credit card to unlock the bike and charges may apply.
Details: melbourne.vic.gov.au/1000Cities
A City of Melbourne project created by Pop Up Playground
