In a creative twist on public art, the Singleton Living Laneways project—a collaboration between FASTLab, Singleton Shire Council, and Art Thinking—introduced Acoustic Alley, an immersive soundscape installation that turned everyday noises into a symphony of community connection.
Developed by FASTLab artists Nicole Carroll and Jon Drummond, Acoustic Alley invited locals to capture the sounds of Singleton using their smartphones and upload them to an online portal. These recordings, combined with audio files gathered by the artists, were played through motion-activated speakers embedded in benches along Trebella Lane. The result? A living, breathing soundscape that celebrated the town’s unique sonic identity.
The project wasn’t just about listening—it was about participation. By contributing their own recordings, residents became co-creators of the installation, weaving their personal experiences into the fabric of the soundscape. This collaborative approach fostered a sense of ownership and connection, turning a simple alley into a shared space of creativity and reflection.
Vicki Brereton, Council’s Director of Organisation and Community Capacity, praised the project as a bold experiment in public art:
“Acoustic Alley encouraged people to engage with the town center in a whole new way,” she said. “It wasn’t just about hearing sounds—it was about creating moments for people to connect with each other and their surroundings.”
The installation also sparked conversations about the role of sound in shaping our experience of place. From the hum of daily life to the echoes of history, Acoustic Alley reminded residents that every sound tells a story. By blending technology, art, and community participation, the project transformed a quiet lane into a vibrant hub of activity and imagination.
Acoustic Alley proved that public art isn’t just something to look at—it’s something to listen to, engage with, and create together. In doing so, it left a lasting impression on Singleton, showing how the power of sound can bring a community closer and turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences.
The Singleton Living Laneways project was an initiative aimed at revitalizing public spaces in Singleton, NSW. Funded by the NSW Government's Streets as Shared Spaces grant program, the project sought to reconnect the community with local businesses, generate a sense of local identity, and bring much-needed reactivation to Singleton's town center. Through a series of engaging and high-impact activations, the project celebrated Singleton's creative life and identity, transforming under-utilized laneways into vibrant public spaces
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