24 – 27 November 2022
The UNSEEN Arts Hub was in Centenary Square, Church Street Parramatta between 24-27 November 2022. We had an intriguing and varied program of artists, artworks, installations, workshops and events which unfolded over four days and evenings . The UNSEEN Arts Hub is led by women representing the diversity of women who find themselves unexpectedly homeless. This activation of the UNSEEN Arts Hub took place during the ’16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’ and was supported by the City of Parramatta, Bonnie Support Services, Museum of Understanding Through Tolerance and Inclusion and Western Sydney University.
DAILY ACTIVITIES AT THE UNSEEN ARTS HUB
- Fiona’s powerful interactive installation “Walk a mile in my shoes”.
- Master Gilder Sera, was Artist in Residence, showcasing her creative skills in gilding
- Aunty Peta Link’s mixed media paintings and award-winning Spirit Women were exhibited in the Tiny House Gallery Window
- Bonnie Support Services’ display of art created by women who identify as culturally and linguistically diverse
SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE UNSEEN ARTS HUB
Thursday 24 November 2022
- 6:00pm – 8:00pm Advocate Jai hosted the poetry slam competition
Friday 25 November 2022
- 6:00pm – 8:00pm Event showcasing embroidered cushion art, reflecting stories from the ‘What home means to me’ workshop.
Saturday 26 November 2022
- 10:00am – 5:00pm Aunty Jacqui Jarrett from Nura Yoga presented Trauma Informed Yoga sessions with collaborative Weaving Circle with Jennah Dungay
- 6:00pm – 8:00pm Breaking Silent Codes event hosted by Aunty Dixie Link Gordon.
Sunday 27 November 2022
- 10:00am – 3:00pm Homelessness Advocate Gina’s millinery workshop sharing stories of belonging through creative expression.
- 10:00am – 3:00pm Artist Market – Arts and crafts created by the women artists and workshop participants were for sale.
September 2022
A huge thank you to YWCA, Every Voice and the Museum of Understanding Through Tolerance and Inclusion for supporting Sera in achieving her goal of completing her Master Gilding Course with the Art Gilding Academy, Sydney. Sera is now well and truly qualified to be UNSEEN’s Artist in residence at the UNSEEN Arts Hub in Parramatta’s Centenary Square between 24 – 27 November 2022. Hope you get the chance to see this incredible artist in action.
August 2022
The UNSEEN Arts Hub was in Civic Square, Canberra ACT 7-11 August 2022 during the National Conference on Homelessness. Come and meet Fiona and Jai, women with lived experience of homelessness and the difficulties of navigating the service systems. First Nations Artist Peta Links’s paintings are on display along with Fiona’s ‘Walk a mile in my shoes’ art installation, while Jai will be recording her podcast ‘On the Couch with Jai and her black dog’. A big thank you to Homelessness NSW, Soroptimist, Museum of Understanding Through Tolerance and Inclusion (MUTTI) and AutoSkin for supporting this activation!
May 2022
9 May 2022 – 5 July 2022, the work of the UNSEEN artists will be exhibited at the Lionel Bowen Library, 669-673 Anzac Parade
Maroubra NSW 2035 with the support of the Randwick Council. The majority of the artists exhibited are women who have experienced housing insecurity and homelessness. The work of Denise, Evie, Terri, Dieter, Jenny, Peta, Jai, Lani, Sera, Paula, Emily, Alex, Carmen, Fiona, Roshee and Bonnies Support Service are on display. The exhibition is open 7 days a week with the exception of public holidays Monday to Friday 9:30am – 8pm, Saturday 9:30am – 4pm and Sunday 12pm -4pm.
March 2022
UNSEEN participant Jai experienced homelessness as a young adult. Her uplifting podcast, ‘Thankfulness’ will provide others an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to those who helped them through difficult times. Supported by Blur Projects and the City of Sydney, Jai’s podcast was made with the assistance of sound engineer Dieter Knierim and sound editor Jenny Kapp, professionals with disability who have already delivered outstanding outcomes to UNSEEN. Jai’s podcast was launched on International Women’s Day 8 March 2022 at Redfern Community Centre.
‘My concept is to create a podcast – “Thankfulness”, which opens up the conversations around social justice; primarily with people affected by homelessness, mental ill-health and women. This includes those with lived experience and people who work and support them. I want to explore the idea of thankfulness as opposed to gratitude, which can be difficult to reflect on when we are struggling. Sharing a positive memory and saying thank you to anyone who may have been part of that experience has helped me feel that I can give, when I have little of my own to contribute. This podcast will be my opportunity to give back to my community by allowing them to have a voice to share something positive that has happened for them and hopefully find some resilience through story telling.
I have lived experience of homelessness and mental health issues and also have hearing loss. The opportunity to work with others who also live with disability will allow me to see how others are able to adapt and navigate effectively to get outcomes. I have basic IT skills and learning further expertise with Dieter Knierim, a sound engineer and Jenny Kapp, a sound editor will equip me with the skills to effectively and confidently learn how to develop a podcast as they are professionals in their industries.’ Jai Jaru
May-June 2022
During May and June 2022, the Randwick Council will be supporting the activation of the UNSEEN Arts Hub. Stay in touch for further information about this activation.
COMPLETED ACTIVATIONS OF UNSEEN
UNSEEN Arts Hub activation DECEMBER 2021
DATES
- 1-5 December 2021: in front of Customs House, 33 Alfred Street Circular Quay
- 11-12 December 2021: in front of Customs House, 33 Alfred Street Circular Quay
- 22-23 December 2021: in front of Customs House, 33 Alfred Street Circular Quay
SPECIAL THEMES
- 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- Head On Photo Festival
UNSEEN schedule of events and links
| Date | Time | Event | What’s On link |
| Wed
1 Dec |
10:30am – 4:00pm | “Walk a mile in my shoes” exhibition by Fiona Arnold | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-sharing-hidden-stories-of-women-and-homeyness |
| 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Yarning Circle with Aunty Dixie Link Gordon, Founder of Breaking Silent Codes | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-breaking-silent-codes | |
| 2pm – 3pm | ‘My Life’ performance by Lani about her experiences of homelessness | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-my-life-lived-experience-of-homelessness-by-lani | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | “Paper Dolls” – messages of caring by Roshee
|
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-paper-dolls-messages-of-caring-by-roshee | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | Emily’s Book Art display | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-dr-emilys-book-art-exhibition | |
| 10:00am – 4:30pm | Exhibition by First Nations artist Peta Link | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-exhibitions-of-first-nations-artist-aunty-peta-link | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Paintings by Sera | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-project-artist-in-residence | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Exhibition Bonnie Support Service exhibition | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-art-exhibition-by-bonnies-support-services | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Head On Photo Festival – Arts Hub installation | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-head-on-photo-festival | |
| Thurs
2 Dec |
10:30am – 4:00pm | “Walk a mile in my shoes” exhibition by Fiona Arnold | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-sharing-hidden-stories-of-women-and-homeyness |
| 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Yarning Circle with Aunty Dixie Link Gordon, Founder of Breaking Silent Codes | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-breaking-silent-codes | |
| 2pm – 3pm | ‘My Life’ performance by Lani about her experiences of homelessness | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-my-life-lived-experience-of-homelessness-by-lani | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | “Paper Dolls” – messages of caring by Roshee
|
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-paper-dolls-messages-of-caring-by-roshee | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | Emily’s Book Art display | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-dr-emilys-book-art-exhibition | |
| 10:00am – 4:30pm | Exhibition by First Nations artist Peta Link | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-exhibitions-of-first-nations-artist-aunty-peta-link | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Paintings by Sera | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-project-artist-in-residence | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Exhibition Bonnie Support Service exhibition | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-art-exhibition-by-bonnies-support-services | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Head On Photo Festival – Arts Hub installation | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-head-on-photo-festival | |
| Fri
3 Dec |
10:30am – 4:00pm | “Walk a mile in my shoes” exhibition by Fiona Arnold | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-sharing-hidden-stories-of-women-and-homeyness |
| 11am – 12pm | Ageing on the Edge Media Event – Launch of report | Dini Liyanarachchi Ageing on the Edge Advocacy Lead | |
| 12:30pm – 1:30pm | Sydney Street Choir | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-sydney-street-choir | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | “Paper Dolls” – messages of caring by Roshee
|
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-paper-dolls-messages-of-caring-by-roshee | |
| 10:00am – 4:30pm | Exhibition by First Nations artist Peta Link | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-exhibitions-of-first-nations-artist-aunty-peta-link | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Exhibition Bonnie Support Service exhibition | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-art-exhibition-by-bonnies-support-services | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | Emily’s Book Art display | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-dr-emilys-book-art-exhibition | |
| 1:30pm-
2:30pm |
Evie Poetry Readings | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-evie-nevertheless-she-persisted | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Head On Photo Festival – Arts Hub installation | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-head-on-photo-festival | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | UNHEARD: Denise Beckwith | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-unheard-by-artist-with-disability-denise-beckwith | |
| Sat
4 Dec |
10:30am – 4:00pm | “Walk a mile in my shoes” exhibition by Fiona Arnold | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-sharing-hidden-stories-of-women-and-homeyness |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | “Paper Dolls” – messages of caring by Roshee
|
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-paper-dolls-messages-of-caring-by-roshee | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | Emily’s Book Art display | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-dr-emilys-book-art-exhibition | |
| 10:00am – 4:30pm | Exhibition by First Nations artist Peta Link | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-exhibitions-of-first-nations-artist-aunty-peta-link | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Paintings by Sera | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-project-artist-in-residence | |
| 11:00
12:pm |
Evie Poetry Readings | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-evie-nevertheless-she-persisted | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Head On Photo Festival – Arts Hub installation | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-head-on-photo-festival | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Unheard: Denise Beckwith | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-unheard-by-artist-with-disability-denise-beckwith | |
| Sun
5 Dec
|
10:30am – 4:00pm | “Walk a mile in my shoes” exhibition by Fiona Arnold | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-sharing-hidden-stories-of-women-and-homeyness |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | “Paper Dolls” – messages of caring by Roshee
|
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-paper-dolls-messages-of-caring-by-roshee | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | Emily’s Book Art display | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-dr-emilys-book-art-exhibition | |
| 10:00am – 4:30pm | Exhibition by First Nations artist Peta Link | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-exhibitions-of-first-nations-artist-aunty-peta-link | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Paintings by Sera | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/users/event?id=67R6jUPLFb620LW6EcOQgl | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Head On Photo Festival – Arts Hub installation | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-head-on-photo-festival | |
| Sat
11 Dec
|
10am – 4:30pm | Christmas Market Stall | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-christmas-markets |
| 12pm – 1pm | ‘My Life’ performance by Lani about her experiences of homelessness | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-my-life-lived-experience-of-homelessness-by-lani | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | Exhibition of photography by Rough Edges | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-rough-edges-photographic-exhibition | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | “Paper Dolls” – messages of caring by Roshee
|
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-paper-dolls-messages-of-caring-by-roshee | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Head On Photo Festival – Arts Hub installation | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-head-on-photo-festival | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | UNHEARD: Denise Beckwith | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-unheard-by-artist-with-disability-denise-beckwith | |
| Sun
12 Dec |
10am – 4:30pm | Christmas Market Stall | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-christmas-markets |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | “Paper Dolls” – messages of caring by Roshee
|
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-paper-dolls-messages-of-caring-by-roshee | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | Exhibition of photography by Rough Edges | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-rough-edges-photographic-exhibition | |
| 12pm – 1pm | ‘My Life’ performance by Lani about her experiences of homelessness | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-my-life-lived-experience-of-homelessness-by-lani | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Paintings by Sera | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-project-artist-in-residence | |
| 10:30am – 4:00pm | Head On Photo Festival – Arts Hub installation | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-head-on-photo-festival | |
| Wed
22 Dec |
10:30am – 4:00pm | Paintings by Sera
UNHEARD: Denise Beckwith |
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-project-artist-in-residence
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-unheard-by-artist-with-disability-denise-beckwith |
| 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm | ‘My Life’ performance by Lani about her experiences of homelessness | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-my-life-lived-experience-of-homelessness-by-lani | |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | “Paper Dolls” – messages of caring by Roshee
|
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-paper-dolls-messages-of-caring-by-roshee | |
| Thurs
23 Dec |
10:30am – 4:00pm | Paintings by Sera
UNHEARD: Denise Beckwith |
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-project-artist-in-residence
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-unheard-by-artist-with-disability-denise-beckwith |
| 10:00am – 4:00pm | “Paper Dolls” – messages of caring by Roshee
|
https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-paper-dolls-messages-of-caring-by-roshee | |
| 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm | ‘My Life’ performance by Lani about her experiences of homelessness | https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/unseen-my-life-lived-experience-of-homelessness-by-lani |
OCTOBER 2021
CANCELLED: due to COVID Restrictions – Activation at Circular Quay Sydney
| Theme: World Mental Health Week, World Homelessness Day Artwork: The UNSEEN Chrome Car and UNSEEN Chrome Tiny House Artist in Residence: Sera Hodson will be creating her works on upcycled material Location: Circular Quay Sydney (opposite Customs House 33 Alfred St) |
Special Events:
|
September 2021
Cancelled: Chrome Tiny House and Car Installation at ArtPark, Pier 8/9 Wash Bay Wharf, Hickson Road Dawes Point.
Cancelled: VIVID – due to COVID restrictions
| Theme: Homelessness Awareness Month Artwork: The UNSEEN Chrome Car and UNSEEN Chrome Tiny House |
|
Multiple Locations:
|
AUGUST 2021
| ARTPark Walsh Bay Sculpture Walk: Pier 8/9 Walsh Bay Wharf, Hickson Road, Dawes Point |
| Themes: Women’s homelessness and housing in security Artwork: The UNSEEN Chrome Car and UNSEEN Chrome Tiny House Location: Pier 8/9 Walsh Bay Wharf, Hickson Road, Dawes Point Supported by: ArtPark, Code Green and AutoSkin |
| Call +61 (0) 414 787 788 for further details |
OPEN: Chrome Tiny House and Car Installation at ArtPark, Pier 8/9 Wash Bay Wharf, Hickson Road Dawes Point.
POSTPONED: Exhibition at NSW Parliament House Fountain Court Gallery, 4 – 25 August 2021 – due to COVID-19 Restrictions
CANCELLED: VIVID – due to COVID-19 Restrictions
JULY 2021
OPEN: Chrome Tiny House and Car Installation at ArtPark Sculpture Walk: Pier 8/9 Wash Bay Wharf, Hickson Road Dawes Point.
CLOSED: Martin Place Activation Monday 05 to Friday 09 July 2021.
| CANCELLED DUE TO COVID: Theme: NAIDOC WEEK Artwork: The UNSEEN Chrome Car and UNSEEN Chrome Tiny House Artist in Residence: Master Weaver Nadeena Dixon BOOK Tickets here Location: Martin Place Sydney (between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets) |
|
Nadeena Dixon, Wiradjuri ,Yuin & Gadigal (Dharug – Boorongberrigal clan) Indigenous Multi disciplinary Artist and Master Weaver is the UNSEEN Artist in Residence during NAIDOC week in July 2021. Nadeena will be creating a collaborative weaving project which the public can participate in. “I am committed to assisting the development and growth of a stronger and vibrant Indigenous Arts Industry through creating sustainable partnerships that contribute to social, cultural and economic benefit for Indigenous Artists and Communities. My practice utilises my knowledge of Arts Programming, Consulting and Development/Arts and Cultural Practices/Marketing and Promotion/Indigenous Protocols and Intellectual Property Rights/Problem Shooting/Webpage and Social Media Branding/Marketing Strategies/Brokerage/Arts Consultancy/Engagement to seek new ways of utilising the convergence of emerging technologies and their applications in the creation of Indigenous programs of benefit to Indigenous Arts. I believe that hybrid and interdisciplinary Arts that engage in exploring and creating unique and dynamic new ways of expressing Australian Indigenous Arts and Culture will make a powerful contribution to the richness of the World Cultural Arts Movement.” – Nadeena Dixon |
JUNE 2021
| Theme: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The UNSEEN Chrome Tiny House: 2 June 2021 – 31 August 2021: Pier 8/9 Walsh Bay The UNSEEN Chrome Car: 2- 13 June 2021: Pier 8/9 Walsh Bay, Sydney 14 – 18 June: Circular Quay Sydney (opposite Customs House 33 Alfred St) 19 – 30 June: Pier 8/9 Walsh Bay, Sydney |
| Special Events: “Walk a mile in my shoes”
Artist in Residence: Fiona Arnold, participant of the UNSEEN project is collecting shoes from a diverse range of women who are sharing stories connected with moments in their lives. Fiona is supported by Women’s Housing Company. This work will form part of the exhibition at NSW Parliament House in August 2021. The shoes are a snap-shot of portraits of women’s lives and written stories. They represent different intersections of life, some confronting homelessness, abuse, addiction, mental illness, disability, poverty, sexuality, aging, racism, domestic violence, loss, unemployment and seeking asylum. The shoes represent the women in our communities who fight so hard advocating for change, human rights and social justice. These stories are often not heard and go unseen. The visual impact of ‘Walk a mile in my shoes’ enables the inclusion of many women’s stories to be
told and collectivity seen.
Location: Circular Quay Sydney (opposite Customs House 33 Alfred St) Associated events
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| Volunteers are needed: Would you like to help the UNSEEN Project? Please click HERE if you would like to volunteer and:
|
MAY 2021
Monday 17 to Sunday 23 May 2021
| Theme: Domestic Violence Prevention Month, International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia, Reconcilliation Day Artwork: The UNSEEN Chrome Car and UNSEEN Chrome Tiny House Artist in Residence: Photographer Linda Warlond supported by Pets in the Park Time: 8:30am to 6:30pm Location: Martin Place, Sydney (between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets) |
Special Events:
|
APRIL 2021
Sunday 11 to Friday 16 April 2021
| Theme: Youth Homelessness and Sexual Assault Awareness Month Art Installation: The UNSEEN Chrome Car and UNSEEN Tiny House Artist in Residence: Emily Stafford: collaborate arts project of book folding sculpture supported by Women’s Housing Art Exhibition: Photo Voice exhibition by Homelessness In Focus Time: 8:30am to 6:30pm Location: Martin Place, Sydney (between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets) |
Special Events:
|
March 2021
Monday 8 to Sunday 14 March 2021
| Theme: International Womens Day Art Installation: The UNSEEN Chrome Car Artist in Residence: Belinda Mason Time: 8:30am to 6:30pm Location: Martin Place, Sydney (between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets) |
Special Events:
|
March 2022