Insightful question drives census through art

AN abundance of insight about Ballarat, its residents and communities will be on display at an installation in May.

The trio of artists leading the project have called on residents next month to produce creative pieces mapping those who call the city home and why.

Robyn Barnett, Sylvia Aguirre and Diana Paez are driving an initiative that would serve as a profound understanding into the city.

Those involved in The Unicorn Collection installation as part of the inaugural Ballarat Craft and Design Week in May are producing creative work answering ‘Why are you here?’, along with the how of it and many more questions.

The purpose of the installation was inspired from the design event’s theme ‘Bound’.

During a workshop this month in Sebastopol, Paez reflected on the complexity behind reasons residents find themselves in Ballarat.

“Talking with some people, I think everyone was very clear why they came here,” she said. “And sometimes it’s not like their first choice, maybe work, love, destiny…whatever.”

She said residents’ answers varied.

“That’s the interesting thing, that the Ballarat community is made from so many people,” she said.

“Especially now from different places, ages, backgrounds, and the meaning of that, and how everyone can be different, but there are also similarities.”

Barnett said the question inspiring the installation was emotive and instructive.

“We need to be able to think about, you know, question about living a good life,” she said. “And for most of the people we discuss and talk to, it is. They’ve chosen here, and they’ve chosen to stay here.”

Ms Aguirre said participants’ reactions once their pieces were collated would be telling about their community.

Entries, from creative residents or even those curious about the project, can be anything, such as art, photography and written pieces like poetry.

They will then be collated into work such as textile banners, while audiovisual pieces from Paez will feature as part of the installation.

A workshop for interested residents will be held on Tuesday 3 March 7pm to 9pm at Lucas Community Hub at 17 Coltman Plaza.

There are also drop-off points throughout the city where the artists hope residents can enter their pieces.

Entries are due 31 March.

More information about entries, drop-off points and the installation can be found at creativeballarat.com.au/communityproject.