Thirteenth International Conference on The Arts in Society

Abstract

If These Halls Could Talk was a multi-arts initiative developed by Arts Northern Rivers, a regional arts development organisation based in New South Wales, Australia. The project was developed to celebrate community halls and the role they play in society. Whether done up or worn out, these little gems scattered around the country hold secrets of times gone by and memories of lives still being lived; from first kisses to kisses goodbye. At its core this was a place-making project empowering communities to reengage with their community hall, to raise the roof and discover what’s inside and driven by artists commissioned to create site-specific works inspired by the unique narrative of the halls. The first iteration of the project was rolled out across the seven local government areas of the Northern Rivers region of NSW over a two-year period and in eight key phases. The project captured the imaginations of the Northern Rivers regional communities and attracted significant local and national media coverage. The scale and calibre of the If These Halls Could Talk events is something rarely seen outside of metropolitan centres. The artists produced bold and captivating new works, which activated the historic spaces giving new life and creating new memories for the halls.The project has been commissioned by the Sydney Festival and is currently scheduled to be included in the 2019 Festival - a fine example of a significant and successful regional project transferring to an international festival.