Conference of the Birds is an ambitious, large scale community-based art-work & an innovative, community well-being project created in the small town of Boolarra in the Latrobe Valley. Led by local artists Gilbert Douglas & Margie Mackay (D&M Art Projects), the art-walk welcomes all ages, genders, cultures & abilities.

The 2.6 km art-walk along the Boolarra Rail-Trail celebrates the natural environment & explores themes of climate, survival & belonging interpreted in installations, performances & ceremonies along the trail showcasing the Valley’s diversity and artistry.

From sunset into darkness, ephemeral installations, light & sound installations, projections, performative interventions (dance, music, physical theatre) draw the gathering of walkers/ audience along the Rail-Trail to 'The Meadows'. The closing ceremony of music, dances, story, lantern parade & ceremony ends with a mass dance-party around the bonfire.

Created in collaboration with First Nations peoples, artists, multicultural groups, school children & the broader community Conference of the Birds also celebrates the beautiful bird-life on lands we call home.

After 2 highly successful pilot projects, Conference of the Birds is ready to Take Flight in May 2026 with a fully realised project & event. With only partial funding D&M are seeking further funds to support this project's realisation towards becoming a regular community based event in the Latrobe Valley. Funds will support the team to hire artists & production manage this extraordinary event.

​Based loosely on the Sufi poem by 12thC poet Farīd ud-Dīn Attār Conference of the Birds art-walk is conceived of as a processional night -time pilgrimage along the Boolarra-Mirboo North Rail Trail.

The story in brief:

Being without leadership &in a time of chaos - all the world’s birds gather to discuss the crisis they face. Together they decide to go in search of ‘a leader’ but to do so must embark on a perilous pilgrimage travel through 7 differently themed valleys.

The Valleys are:

1. The Valley of the Quest

2. The Valley of Love

3. The Valley of Independence, Pride & Detachment

4. The Valley of Deprivation, Poverty and Deat

5. The Valley of Insight into Mystery

6. The Valley of Wonderment, Astonishment & Bewilderment

7. The Valley of Harmony & Unity

When the birds reach their destination, a wise bird tells them that the answer to their Quest can be found by looking into a nearby

mirror-like lake. On doing so, the birds find it is themselves – the collective reflected– who hold the answers to survival to building a sustainable future with Harmony & Unity.