Midsumma 2025: ROPETIMES

ROPETIMES is the ultimate rope workshop facilitated by acclaimed artist and ropeworker, Luke George — Presented by the artist and Abbotsford Convent.

ROPETIMES is an introductory workshop in rope bondage and navigating intimacy, pleasure and consent for beginners and anyone eager to explore, practice, and play. Whether you’re a curious newbie or looking to hone your skills, come tie yourself up in creativity and connection! No previous experience required. Rope provided.

The Workshop

• Luke will teach principles and techniques
• Learn foundation knots and ties to get you started on your rope journey
• A strong focus on touch, intimacy, communication, pleasure, safety and consent between you and your rope-partner
• Build sensation, trust and dynamic connection

Saturday 1 February
Workshop 1: 10am – 3pm (Auslan interpreted)
Workshop 2: 3pm – 6pm
Rosina Auditorium
Please note this is an 18+ event.

Book now

Rope is a sensitive and dynamic material. It can act like a conductor between bodies where energy, pleasure and power are exchanged. A sensuous art form and a form of play, rope bondage is a dynamic relational practice that involves a heightened sense of touch and sensitive mutual listening between the giver and the receiver, as they communicate their consent, trust, and pleasure to each other—Discover what works for you and your partner/s.

About

Luke George (he/they)

A multidisciplinary artist and ropeworker. Based in Naarm (Melbourne). Luke’s work takes them across Australia, Asia, Europe and North America, with their recent work STILL LIVES for NGV/RISING 2022, tying and suspending five Aussie Rules footballers into the recreation of the 2011 AFL Mark of the Year.

Intersecting with their art practice, Luke is a sex worker, kink educator and rope bondage practitioner. Luke is passionate about sex positivity and how exploring pleasure can unshackle us from shame. With a particular focus on queer people, Luke creates safe environments for consenting adults to explore touch, intimacy and BDSM, based on a foundation of mutual respect—believing that exploring intimacy with ourselves and with each other, is a radical and necessary action in the world today.

Accessibility

Rosina Auditorium is wheelchair accessible.

This project is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria,  Abbotsford Convent and Midsumma Festival.