Who was John Truscott? The multi-talented theatre designer, festival director and Academy Award-winning film designer died prematurely in 1993, but was instrumental in creating the vibrant, celebratory public art culture Melburnians enjoy today. Truscott designed the Victorian Arts Centre’s sumptuous original interiors, and, as World Expo ’88 creative director, he filled a sprawling Brisbane site with sculptures, carnival-style parades and performances. As Melbourne Festival director from 1988 to ’91, he brought theatre, music and art into Melbourne’s streets and parks. He was also responsible for the much-loved Botanica event in the Queen Victoria Gardens—the site of MPavilion.
Truscott's skills, achievements and legacy will be fuel for lively discussion on this Q&A panel presentation, featuring contributions from those who knew him well—designer Ken Cato, landscape designer Paul Bangay, Australian Galleries' Stuart Purves, artistic director of White Night Melbourne, Andrew Walsh, and Martin Carlson, Chair of the John Truscott Design Foundation.