Blazing Swan Mutant Guidelines and Application Information
Mutant Vehicles
A Mutant Vehicle is, in essence, a specific variety of art car that is more modified, customised or changed (i.e. ‘mutated”) from its original form, if any, than most art cars.
The Mutant Vehicle classification was specifically created for use in Jilakin Rock City (JRC). The classification was created because the term “art car” can have a broad definition and because of the limit on the number of vehicles the DMT can license, the DMT needed a classification that better described the level of ‘mutation’ that was required for a license.
Mutant Vehicles are integral to the culture and community at Blazing Swan. They contribute to the surreal, visual quality that binds Jilakin Rock City together.
Non-negotiable Requirements
If you are interested in bringing a Mutant Vehicle to Jilakin Rock City your vehicle must comply with the requirements laid out in Mutant Vehicle Guide available for download on this page.
This includes requirements on:
Mutant Vehicle licence criteria and classifications
Design and safety
Vehicle driving protocols and rules at the Blazing Swan event
You must also comply with any applicable WA legislation set out by the Department of Transport if you are planning to drive your Mutant Vehicle to Blazing Swan. Either contact them to check requirements on vehicle modifications that may affect your ability to drive your Mutant Vehicle legally on WA’s roads or head here for information –
https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/modify-or-construct-a-vehicle.asp
Should you wish to operate your mutant vehicle at Blazing Swan, you then need to carry out the following –
Register and have your mutant vehicle approved by the DMT.
Apply for your JRC driving licence
Please note – Having your Mutant Vehicle registered and Licenced with Blazing Swan for use at the event, does not negate any Laws or Legislation you must adhere to in Western Australia.
Also, if you breach any Mutant Vehicle rules on site, your JRC driving licence will be revoked and you will not be permitted to drive at the event.
Vehicles for People with a Disability at Blazing Swan
Vehicles for people with a disability at Blazing Swan
As we prepare for Blazing Swan, we work to make our city as accessible, safe, and welcoming as possible for everyone.
If you or someone in your camp will be using an on-site accessibility vehicle during the event – such as quad bikes or other powered vehicles used to support a person with a disability – please register it with the Department of Mutant Transport (DMT).
Registering your accessibility vehicle helps our teams to:
Support safe movement around the city
Plan access routes and traffic flow
Better support participants who rely on these vehicles to fully take part
Important notes: Normal mobility devices such as electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters do not need to be registered.
NOTE: All vehicles used at night must be radically illuminated.
Vehicles that are not permitted as disability access vehicles:
Vehicles larger than a standard-sized UTE or SUV
Vehicles with trailers
RVs or motorhomes
Motorcycles/Mopeds
Licences for vehicles used by a person with a disability are issued by DMT. Just like Mutant Vehicles, accessibility vehicles must be pre-registered in order to receive a licence to operate on site.
Please click the button below to register an Accessibility Vehicle.
Once registered, please come and see DMT on arrival at Blazing Swan to finalise your licence.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the DMTeam at dmt@blazingswan.com.au
Thank you for helping us create a city where everyone can participate!
Mutant Vehicle Grants
The Department of Mutant Transport is not responsible for fully funding any art project. Artists are strongly encouraged to find alternate funding for their art and to use grants as a way to supplement their work.
Mutant Vehicle grants are on offer as a contribution to the costs of building and transporting your art piece to Blazing Swan. If you would like to apply for a grant you must complete the grant application form prior to the closing dates.
Grant applications will be considered by a selection panel of artists, safety advisors and community members against the factors such as; viability, safety, impact, interactivity and engagement (more details below).
You must complete and submit an itemised budget with your grant application to be considered by the selection panel. If you are successful, 70% of your grant will be paid prior to the event.
The remaining 30% will be paid post- event and is dependent on delivery of outcome, safe operation during the event and active engagement.
You must also submit accompanying receipts as they relate to your budget within 2 weeks for the remainder of the grant to be paid out.
A Mutant vehicle grant does not cover: - your time, the cost of the base vehicle, warehouse hire, or generic tool(s) purchases.
Previous vehicles that have already been funded may still apply for additional funding to continue upgrading the level of mutation and transportation assistance
Viability / 10
Clear project vision
Clear and realistic execution plan
Logistics have been considered
Realistic budget
Evidence of planning for problems
Mutant Vehicle Grant Selection Criteria
We review 8 scored categories, each scoring out of 10 points to determine how grants are applied.
Mutation and Safety / 10
Meets requirements as outlined in the mutant vehicle guide
Mutant Vehicles are radically, stunningly, and safely modified from their base vehicle and are an expression of art and/or a public service that enhances the creativeness of the event in an imaginative and safe manner.
Interactivity / 10
Project invites or even requires human participation
Prompts people to interact with each other
Integrity / 10
The budget is clear and has sufficient detail to be evaluated
Costs are realistic and expected. No evidence of inflated costs
Application and project benefits Blazing Swan and does not grossly violate decommodification
Engagement and accessibility / 10
Mutant Vehicle is actively engaging with the community, i.e., we will have 4 drivers do 2-hour shifts every day, actively seeking to engage with the community by giving them rides around the event
Events planned around the Mutant Vehicle
Positive meaning to the community
Accessible to diverse audiences
Impact / 10
Project is predicted to be impactful for Blazers and contribute to the overall experience
May be considered in relation to cost of project (i.e. impact/ benefit matches money being spent)
Environmental Responsibility / 10
Use of sustainable materials or practices
Consideration of environmental footprint
Has a solid MOOP plan
Mutant Vehicle Grant Application Process
To apply for a Blazing Swan Mutant Vehicle Grant, please follow the process below
Fill in the Mutant Vehicle Application form (button below)
Pre-event DMT checks are essential for all new vehicles and available by request for returning vehicles during the month of March before the event. Organise your pre-event check by contacting dmt(at)blazingswan.com.au
Once DMT give your application approval, apply for Jilakin Rock Drivers’ licenses for all drivers of your Mutant Vehicle using the Mutant Vehicle Licence Test and Application form found below.
Obtain final approval on site from Monday to Friday. Daytime and nighttime checks are available to be scheduled.
The four main areas your vehicle will be assessed for approval on are –
Mechanical
Mutation
Safety
Illumination
Questions? Contact the Department of Mutant Transport (DMT)