Mik Aidt's 'Bats and Being' Audio Artwork to Feature in Geelong Exhibition
Journalist and musician Mik Aidt will present his 23-minute audio artwork, 'Bats and Being,' as part of the 'Bats & Belonging' exhibition. The exhibition is set to open on February 5, 2026, in Geelong.
Artwork Details
Aidt's audio artwork, 'Bats and Being,' is designed to engage listeners with Geelong's grey-headed flying foxes. The piece intricately weaves together field recordings, music, spoken reflections, and excerpts from a guided walk with researchers. Its core aim is to encourage listeners to slow down and observe, thereby fostering empathy and attention towards other species amidst a changing climate.
Artistic Development
Aidt, a figure known for his contributions to radio, writing, and climate communication in Geelong, has recently transitioned into sound art. In 2025, he began exploring music as a medium to address climate and sustainability themes, producing 52 songs. This extensive experience highlighted for him the power of sound, emotion, and rhythm in facilitating a more open reception of messages, especially when compared to traditional facts and figures. The call for the 'Bats & Belonging' exhibition perfectly aligned with his objective of utilizing art to convey care and vulnerability.
This experience demonstrated to him that sound, emotion, and rhythm could facilitate a more open reception of messages compared to facts and figures.
Inspiration and Creation
The genesis of the artwork emerged during a severe 41°C heatwave in Geelong. Residing near the bats' roosting area, Aidt personally observed the animals in distress, directly linking their condition to climate change. This profound personal observation became the central theme of the piece, emphasizing a local species' vulnerable relationship with extreme heat.
Aidt's connection to the bats deepened over approximately five years, evolving significantly after the exhibition's announcement, when he began to perceive them as neighbors. A subsequent guided nature walk, where he learned about specific vocalizations between mother bats and their offspring, further enriched his understanding, transforming his perception of the animals from abstract entities into social beings.
Thematic Focus and Listener Experience
The artwork delves into themes of human detachment from nature and the critical importance of maintaining a connection with Earth's living systems. Aidt posits that the bats' nightly movements offer an ancient sense of rhythm, serving as a powerful reminder of humanity's intrinsic role within a larger natural cycle.
'Bats and Being' layers environmental recordings with sounds from a guided walk to the bats' roosting site. It features an introduction by Dr. Belinda Christie, a sustainability researcher, who encourages listeners to cultivate greater presence. The piece is carefully structured to guide the listener into an altered state of mind, leading to an open listening experience at the roosting site.
The intense heat encountered during the artwork's creation strongly influenced its focus on climate change as a tangible reality. Aidt clarified that the piece is not intended for relaxation but rather to indicate that "something is wrong," thereby promoting reflection, discussion, and compassion for the "work of transition" towards clean energy.
Aidt stated the piece is not designed for relaxation but to indicate that "something is wrong," promoting reflection, discussion, and compassion for the "work of transition" towards clean energy.
Meaning of Belonging
Aidt notes the 23-minute duration of the audio artwork, suggesting it can be experienced while engaging in other activities like driving or walking. He expressed a hope that the piece would offer "a shift in attention" and stimulate curiosity. For Aidt, the concept of "belonging" is rooted in connection—to other people, places, weather, animals, and the surrounding living systems. He views the bats as "fellow citizens," underscoring the shared presence and vulnerability between humans and the natural world, which in turn prompts a consideration of living with greater care and responsibility.
For Aidt, "belonging" is derived from connection—to other people, places, weather, animals, and surrounding living systems.
Exhibition Information
The 'Bats & Belonging' exhibition will showcase various artists' interpretations related to Geelong's grey-headed flying foxes. It is scheduled to run from February 5 to February 21, 2026, at Untether Gallery, located at 5/132 Little Malop Street, Geelong. A special opening event is planned for February 7, 2026.