About This Project

ADA Consulting were appointed in early 2017 to this project and selected four local artists to pitch for SMA Projects new development The Lyric in Fitzroy. Jud Wimhurst was selected to activate the adjoining laneway with his wall mural concept titled Moving Out.

The sculptural wall relief depicts a fictional tableau of the former residents of the Lyric Theatre building in the process of ‘Moving Out’ to make way for the new residents of the property. A community of ants busily vacate the premises via the back alley relocating their stockpile of salvaged theatre floor popcorn (via a hole in the wall) that has been gathered and collected during the time when the building operated as a popular theatre and film cinema.

The ants capture the sense of community and collaboration within the unique culture of Melbourne’s first suburb. Drawing upon the heritage of the site, the ants create new histories and transforms the Lyric into its own “ant hill” filled with passageways, levels and spaces for residents and their families all sharing a common residential space.

Proudly established in 1993, SMA Projects creates high impact projects through innovative design and excellence in construction. On the site of one of Melbourne’s very first theatres, the Lyric Theatre has been beautifully reimagined as a series of chic apartments impeccably designed by Hayball Architects.

Delivered by ADA Consulting | July 2020

Images courtesy of Fiona Hamilton