As part of the Ballarat Winter Festival, two enormous hot air balloon sculptures will fly over central Ballarat.

The monumental hot air balloon sculptures, Skywhale and Skywhalepapa are the creation of renowned Australian artist Patricia Piccinini. Skywhale, created by Piccinini in 2013 is now joined by a companion balloon Skywhalepapa, created in 2020, who also carries nine baby skywhales in the shelter of his giant flippers.

The skywhales will be launched in an event titled Skywhales: Every Heart Sings. The launch will be accompanied by music written by Canberra musician Jess Green (AKA Pheno) in collaboration with Piccinini.

Pheno and her band will visit Ballarat to perform for the launch. The moment of lift-off will take place to the accompaniment of the ethereal sounds of a 100-strong children’s choir under the guidance of local musician Stella Savy.

Entry is free but visitors are encouraged to register at the Art Gallery of Ballarat website.

Skywhales: Every Heart Sings is a National Gallery Touring Event supported by Principal Partner The Naomi Milgrom Foundation and Visions of Australia. Skywhales: Every Heart Sings is the third instalment of The Balnaves Contemporary Series and is a Know My Name project.

The Ballarat event is presented by the Art Gallery of Ballarat and is supported by the City of Ballarat as part of the Ballarat Winter Festival.