UNSEEN March 2021

Monday 8 March to Sunday 14 March 2021

Theme: International Women’s Day
Artwork: The UNSEEN Chrome Car
Artist in Residence: Belinda Mason
Location: Circular Quay Sydney (opposite Customs House 33 Alfred St)

The first week of the UNSEEN project was a resounding success. The UNSEEN Chrome Car was positioned at Circular Quay, Sydney between 8 -14 Match 2021. Over 8 million people read the article by journalist Freya Noble which was published on 8 March 2021 to coincide with the launch of UNSEEN on International Women’s Day. The UNSEEN website had 6,500 page views that same day. The location of the UNSEEN Chrome Car, which sees traffic from the light rail, ferry and train stations, saw 300 people engage with the project daily. Even the rain on the final day didn’t stop engagement. The QR code which was a ground decal at the installation was activated 118 times and directed audience members to the website to learn more about the project. During the week, many women unexpectedly came forward and shared their stories of homelessness and housing insecurity. These women emerged out of a crowd which they visually blended into. Their presence reveals the hidden nature of women and homelessness and their fear of stigmatisation was voiced clearly. Men also came forward,  mostly expressing understanding. The few that didn’t changed their minds when they were alerted to the fact that homeless women often sleep with their children in their cars, and run the risk of their children being placed in care. We had great news with the UNSEEN Project forum being accepted as part of the VIVID Ideas Festival in August 2021 and the UNSEEN Project’s exhibition in NSW Parliament House in August was also approved and will update you with these plans.  The calendar of events is beginning to fill, so pease let me know what activities you would like to hold or engage in. This link takes to what’s on and where for the whole project https://unseen.house/the-exhibition/calendar-of-events/