The final chapter of Singleton’s Living Laneways activation project will feature a large-scale robot origami installation – and the entire community is invited to take part.
Combining art and science, “oribot” workshops will be facilitated by representatives from the University of Newcastle’s Future Art, Science and Technology Lab at the Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre on 2 and 3 April, ahead of the exhibition in Evidence Laneway.
Singleton Council’s director organisation and community capacity Vicki Brereton said the activation was the perfect opportunity for people to get involved in a public art experiment while promoting greater engagement with the town centre.
“Building on the work by local mural artist Sally Hinchcliffe that was painted last year, Evidence Laneway will be bursting with a vibrant floral installation of a different kind – adorned in origami-robot flowers that open whenever someone walks by,” she explained.
“The oribot making workshops will be facilitated Dr Matthew Gardiner, an internationally-exhibited artist and inventor of Oribotics, and supported by university staff.
“It’s a really great activity for kids over the age of 10 or anyone with a with a bit of time to spare who’s keen to learn something new.
“The kit takes approximately six hours to complete, which can be spread over various sessions in our new Arts and Cultural Centre across the two days, and it’s really easy to get involved.
“Simply sign up online via Eventbrite.
“This is a really exciting opportunity for our community to be part of an interactive art piece that will be seen thousands of people.”
Ms Brereton said the Living Laneways project, which was funded by the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program, had been an overwhelming success in showcasing Singleton’s creative life and identity, converting public spaces into creative canvasses.
“This has really embedded arts and culture into the streets of Singleton,” she stated.
“And, it’s been an absolute pleasure to partner with the University of Newcastle to connect our community with internationally-acclaimed artists and researchers as well as promote greater engagement within our town centre.
“We’re really looking forward to everyone participating in and being inspired by this final cutting-edge activation.
“It’s been a wonderful program that proves that art can bring people together to celebrate our town’s identity and activate our community.”
To register for an Oribotics workshop, visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/oribot-workshops-at-the-singleton-arts-and-cultural-centre-tickets-271468418347
Or, for more information about the Living Laneways program, go to https://www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/1102/Living-Laneways
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