The MCA’s Ambassadors Terrace is a partly covered, bizarrely underutilized, patch of astro turf with an unrivaled view of our remarkable Opera House and stunning sunny harbour. With the arrival of Grayson Perry’s international exhibit, the MCA decided now was the time to roll out the Britsh green carpet. We knew we needed to talk to the exhibition, while finding our own voice and drawing crowds in from surrounding circular quay for a drink.
Grayson’s work focuses on the perceived prestige of his homeland, England. Working with partners Archie Rose and Young Henrys, our solution was a magical gin garden that, from a distance, appeared to be steeped in ornate Victorian antiquity, but upon closer inspection was literally filled with detailed upcycled furniture and plastic plants.
Our attention to detail throughout the activation delighted customers, allowing them to find something new and exquisite with every visit. This, combined with a trend for old world gin parlors and British antiquity, meant that we were right in a nightlife sweet spot, oh and did we mention the view?
The bar was a hit, trending on social media and delivered back to back nights at capacity. It was so successful that the MCA decided to double the activations lifespan, meaning it far outlived the exhibition it was designed to support.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which we create, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.