Visionary Images' A Lure

Make a Choice for an A Lure-ing game.

A-Lure was an interactive art game played around the streets and alleys of inner city Melbourne in April 2008.

With artworks including a video game, sound art, visual art and video, A-Lure resembled a 'scavenger hunt'. SMS clues were sent to registered players' mobile phones directing them to find, and respond to artworks hidden throughout the city.

A-Lure by Visionary Images (2008).

Source: Visionary Images

By observing and acting in the work's creation, the game encouraged the players to think about their individual choices in wider society.

Two women in a library, listening to MP3 players on their headphones

A-Lure facilitated by Visionary Images (2008).

Source: Visionary Images

Richmond-based Visionary Images worked with approximately 140 young people with an experience of hardship to develop this location-based arts event. Participants in the development of the game were effectively able to change the landscape of the city by developing their clues, fostering a sense of ownership and inclusion in their community for the young people, and nurturing a sense of empowerment and pride.

Benefits for the practising artists included the opportunity to develop networks with funding bodies, sponsors and other stakeholders, as well as also strengthening professional relationships with other artists in the field.

A-Lure was supported through Arts Victoria's Arts Development for Communities program. This program, which has now ceased, provided funding for professional artists to create new artistic work in collaboration with diverse Victorian communities, and was funded by the Community Suppport Fund. Arts Victoria's Community Partnerships program currently supports community collaborations and residencies.