Treatment III is the third instalment of an ambitious public art project at Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant (WTP) in Werribee, first initiated in 2015. Focusing on the histories, technologies and communities of our wastewater infrastructure in Melbourne’s west, twelve leading and emerging artists from the region and across Australia will develop public installation, film, sound, sculpture, and performance works over the course of a month.  

Expanding on this sustained exploration of the WTP, from 17 March Treatment III will also bring commissioned works to sites further north. Along the historical Main Sewer Outfall, artists Linda Tegg, James Nguyen, Robert Andrew and Zanny Begg will install and perform works at locations in Spotswood and Brooklyn, including the Pumping Station at Scienceworks. 

Treatment III will ultimately culminate with a major new video commission by artist Eugenia Lim and a Night + Day event at the Western Treatment Plant which will run from sunset to sunset, April 21-22. Celebrating a day in the life of the plant, this event will draw attention to the way our wastewater technologies connect us all, using innovative public artworks to cast light on the important role they play in managing public health, the environment and our relationships with each other. Artists and performers in the Night + Day event include Eugenia Lim, Mick Douglas, Anindita Banerjee, Fiona Hillary, Edwina Stevens, Rogue Academy, local community groups and emerging creatives from the Wyndham and Wadawurrung communities.   

Treatment III is curated by Public Art Commission (Deakin University) in partnership with Wyndham City and Hobsons Bay City, supported the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund, Melbourne Water, and Scienceworks Museum.