Anything But Square

Overview

Melbourne's iconic Fed Square precinct is thinking outside the box this winter with its newly relaunched, jam-packed Anything But Square program. From now until Sunday, September 5, it's dishing up a diverse calendar of events and experiences to warm your cockles and ignite your imagination.

A dazzling new presence is that of The Knot — an immersive, large-scale artwork by renowned French artist Cyril Lancelin. It reimagines the classic trefoil knot as a maze of larger-than-life passageways, which light up with a fluorescent pink glow each evening. Fed Square venues including Atiyah and Taxi Kitchen have also created limited-edition dishes inspired by the artwork, available for the duration of its appearance.

Carrying on the French theme, Alliance Française de Melbourne will host a series of Frenchy Weekends (August 27–September 5), transporting punters with a program of pop-up performances, culinary giveaways, live tunes and French film masterpieces played on the big screen. You can sate even more of your travel cravings and dig into some French culture with the supporting calendar of panel discussions, workshops and classes — including a boozy art session dubbed Monet & Mimosas.

And if you visit the precinct after dark on a Friday or Saturday (August 13–21), keep an eye out for the Curious Creatures — this roving, interactive installation features a cast of mysterious otherworldly characters, fusing puppetry, engineering and art to magical effect.

Liam Neale

Images: Liam Neal