Diving deep into Cocoon Project
Meet the Melbourne-based event collaborative that cocoons people together across the likes of food, drink, art, and music.
Time zones and busy schedules aside, a few weeks ago I was finally able to sit down (virtually) with my dear friends Claudia Lewis and Rachel McCrossin to unpack their ‘passion project’ Cocoon.
We spent the first few minutes of the call exchanging some laughs and sharing notable life updates, joking that the only way we could catch up properly was over a scheduled ‘Google Meet.’
With our chosen drinks in hand; an evening glass of vino for me, and a morning latte for them, we jumped straight into it discussing all things Cocoon, from how the concept initially blossomed, the thought processes behind it, and exciting plans for the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed hearing what the pair had to say about their exciting new venture, and I think you will too.
The Spread provided by @spiced.nuts from Season One. circa. June 22.
Cocoon is the love child of two housemates who came together over a shared interest in the craft and construction of food. The two joke that they’re “friends through food,” with a lineage tracing back to a mutual vegan(ism) stint shared back in Year 10.
Believing that food is an overlooked art form, they decided to carve out their own unique space for this edible art to blossom. “Food is not given an exhibition” Lewis states, “when we go to a restaurant, we order a dish, we eat it, and that’s it,” she adds.
So it’s only fair that the masterminds behind these concoctions are finally granted space to exhibit their culinary creations, outside of a restaurant’s four walls that is.
And if there is any suitable time for these dishes to go on display, it is now. Food is having its Hollywood moment, and its creators (chefs) are deservedly basking in the spotlight. I mean, according to EmRata “chefs are the new rockstars,” and from what I’ve witnessed recently she’s not wrong.
With the growing popularity of intimate dining experiences like the ‘Supper Club,’ a phenomenon that has taken both the food and creative industries by storm, diners are craving new and exciting ways to spice up their life (and dinners).
Art by Monique Roberts on display at Season Two of Cocoon. circa. November 2022.
Based in Naarm/Melbourne, the creative hub of Australia, the duo was inspired by the overwhelming talent emerging from their network of friends. So they did what any budding housemates would do–join forces.
Lewis, a recent graduate boasting a Bachelor's degree in Communication Design, teamed up with McCrossin, an Art History/Curatorship, and PPE (Politics, Philosophy, and Economics) double major, and the two came up with Cocoon–a collaborative space dedicated to showcasing talent amongst a generous spread of food and drinks.
And so, the concept quickly blossomed from an idea tossed about in the kitchen of their Melbourne sharehouse, to one which took literal form and figure as a fully-fledged, multi-disciplinary, immersive event.
Rachel Mixing Cocktails in the Kitchen. Season One. circa. June 22.
When we think of a cocoon, we think of the silky yarn that envelops young larvae before they bloom into insect creatures. Similarly enough, Cocoon Project imitates nature’s ‘au natural’ process, creating an all-encompassing safe space for artists and attendees.
When asked how they reached this endearing name they proudly exclaimed how easy the process seemed to be. “Surprisingly, the name came quite quickly,” McCrossin says, “We just sat down in the living room flipping through words and fell upon Cocoon which immediately felt perfect,” Lewis adds.
The Asparagus from Season Two. circa. November 2022.
Their first event sprung to fruition during the winter months. To combat the cold, the duo sought to put forth an event that oozed coziness, an antidote to help stay warm.
And so their launch event “changing seasons” was born on the 2nd of June. Guests indulged in an evening of food by Julia Benoit, sound by Rob Ifo, art by Claudia Lewis, and drinks by Rachel McCrossin hosted humbly in their living room.
The space was lit up with cinematic projections that signified this change in season, with clips of autumn-colored leaves swaying in the cool breeze and puddles rippling in the crevices of the sidewalk.
At all events, attendees are encouraged to disconnect from technology, come together amongst one another and lose themselves within a myriad of food, art, and music–a triple threat if you ask me.
Poster Design Season One: Changing Seasons. circa. June 22.
As the clouds parted, skies brightened and the temperature rose generously, Cocoon hosted its second event, on Sunday the 13th of November. This event was entitled ‘Bloom,’ with a focus that shifted away from the bleakness of winter and towards the joys of spring, taking inspiration from everything that blooms and blossoms.
Similar to their previous event, this one also proved to be a collaborative, immersive experience, featuring art installations by Monique Roberts, food catered by Spiced Nuts, and sounds by Miki.
For this Season their living room once again underwent renovations, this time making way for a feature furniture piece. The piece, a simple mattress on the floor. Unlike your regular “Joe Blow” bed, this one wasn’t just adorned in freshly pressed sheets, instead laying on top was a literal “Bed Spread” of hor d’oeuvres.
The “Bed Spread” curated and created by @spiced.nuts. Circa. November 22.
These days the creative trade economy is booming with bartering becoming a highly desired currency. Young folks are happy to trade their talents amongst one another, essentially tit-for-tat, with both parties walking away better off than before.
“At the core of Cocoon, remains collaboration,” McCrossin exclaimed, with their events positively capitalizing on this collab mentality. When asked, they describe the concept as simply “creating spaces, and cocooning food, music, art, and people,” essentially positioning themselves as the vehicle that facilitates this exchange.
“Exhibitions tend to feel quite serious,” Lewis shares, a takeaway most of us can relate to. At Cocoon, their hands-on, immersive approach actively rejects traditional exhibition practices.
At most exhibits, time after time we’re told not to touch the objects on display. If we wish to learn more about the art or artist we are minimized to reading tiny plaques perched in the corner of the frame. But Cocoon wishes to stray as far away from that thinking of exhibiting as possible.
Miki on Sound for Cocoon Season Two. circa. November 22.
With two successful events under their belt, navigating the next steps for Cocoon is an exciting venture. There is no doubt that these two have big plans for the time ahead, with the world (quite literally) their oyster.
As we reached the end of our hour-long chat, excitement filled the air as possible future ideas bounced back and forth. Talk of events that incorporate yoga, an online hub to promote (and sell) the work of contributors, or even hopes of one day having a permanent space for Cocoon to call home, all took shape.
With big things to come, I’d intently watch this space, I know I’ll be keeping an eye out for sure.
