Have you ever stumbled upon a piece of art that speaks to the very soul of a community? Here in a quiet laneway between Crown and Wilshire Streets, we find the Village Voices Installation. It’s more than just an artwork. It’s a living, breathing testament to the stories of Surry Hills. Village Voices captures the diverse voices and forgotten histories of this vibrant neighborhood. The installation consists of a black steel framework mounted on the brick wall. Large white letters, subtly backlit, spell out six lines of poetry or prose. These letters are interchangeable, allowing for new stories to be displayed. Additional letters are stored in a glass letterbox below, waiting for their turn to share their message.
The Village Voices Installation was inspired by the flexible signs used by movie theatres, churches, and sports fields to communicate with their communities. Artist Astra Howard, who worked in local crisis homeless services, envisioned giving a public voice to those often unheard. She wanted to share the hidden narratives and untold stories embedded within Surry Hills. She aimed to create a lively talking point, a meeting spot, and an archive of local stories. She sought to facilitate dialogue and interaction between residents and visitors.
The installation is designed to be interactive. The letters change every few months. They display excerpts from stories composed during local community workshops. Locals can submit their own stories through a dropbox at the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre or via email to [email protected] The changing of the letters has become a highly anticipated event, ceremoniously revealing new narratives to the public. One particularly moving poem displayed on the Village Voices Installation was written by Pat, a community member who moved to Sydney at 16. He alternated between living on the streets and in shelters. Yet, his connection to poetry remained a constant. His words, displayed for all to see, spoke of his struggles and resilience.
Village Voices is a quiet presence in the bustling city. It’s a space for reflection, a stark contrast to the loud and dominating advertisements that often fill our public spaces. It’s a reminder that every story is worth listening to, from the child at Bourke Street Public School to someone living in a homeless shelter. Village Voices amplifies the voices of individuals, revealing the true character of Surry Hills, a neighborhood rich in diversity and community spirit. So, next time you’re in Surry Hills, take a moment to visit the Village Voices Installation. Listen to the whispers of the community. You might just discover a story that resonates with your own.