"A wide variety of people of all ages, abilities, cultures and experiences came together to create.
It was uplifting!"
- Queen Babs, fibre artist and yarnbomber
It was uplifting!"
- Queen Babs, fibre artist and yarnbomber
The Popping Pompom Project was underway when I was invited to take part and help turn thousands of pom-poms into art. I attended Workshops at Northcotte Community Centre and Ward Park as well as special community events such as Pets In the Park and the Lendlease Foundation Community BBQ.
Throughout August and September 2016, I attended Pompom workshops, encouraged, taught and listened to locals as they worked with each other and the project organisers. Through the simple activity of making pom-poms, something almost anyone can do regardless of age, ability or skill, I saw people connect, get creative, use their motor and social skills and find a sense of purpose in the activity.
Throughout August and September 2016, I attended Pompom workshops, encouraged, taught and listened to locals as they worked with each other and the project organisers. Through the simple activity of making pom-poms, something almost anyone can do regardless of age, ability or skill, I saw people connect, get creative, use their motor and social skills and find a sense of purpose in the activity.
Funds raised through the Surry Hills Festival sponsors, partners, volunteers and donations on event day go to community programs of SHNC. In particular, creative programs servicing needs of people with low income and marginalised groups such as elderly, homeless, people with social anxieties or mental illness and people from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
SHNC hosts family and community programs including children’s activities, art, film, dance, performance and cooking programs for all ages. Our programs and facilities provide access for diverse community members to get together and share experiences through sad and good times.
SHNC hosts family and community programs including children’s activities, art, film, dance, performance and cooking programs for all ages. Our programs and facilities provide access for diverse community members to get together and share experiences through sad and good times.
The high profile of the project spiked curiosity in the wider community too, allowing the activity to be a bridge to engage in conversation and raise awareness of the Surry Hills Festival and the Neighbourhood Centre. Workshops and installation of the art spiked curiosity with locals stopping to talk, join in and return on the day of the Festival to make pom-poms and be part of the community.
Being involved in this wonderful project has been highly rewarding as an artist and human being. As a disabled, chronically ill person myself, I understand the sense of loneliness, disconnection from society, depression and boredom that comes with being on the margins. I personally use craft as therapy and encourage others through my work and online social media presence.
I wish to thank the Project Organiser Victoria Johnstone, Workshop Co-ordinator Kasane Low, the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre team, the Northcotte Community centre and all the volunteers and participants. Thanks for the wonderful experience!
Sincerely,
Jane Balke Andersen
Aka Queen Babs
Sept, 2016
Being involved in this wonderful project has been highly rewarding as an artist and human being. As a disabled, chronically ill person myself, I understand the sense of loneliness, disconnection from society, depression and boredom that comes with being on the margins. I personally use craft as therapy and encourage others through my work and online social media presence.
I wish to thank the Project Organiser Victoria Johnstone, Workshop Co-ordinator Kasane Low, the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre team, the Northcotte Community centre and all the volunteers and participants. Thanks for the wonderful experience!
Sincerely,
Jane Balke Andersen
Aka Queen Babs
Sept, 2016