How Singleton’s Community Shaped Its Future Through Art
Back in 2020, FASTlab joined forces with Singleton Shire Council and Art Thinking to deliver the Singleton Living Laneways project, a creative initiative aimed at revitalizing public spaces. Among its standout features was Shadowgram, an interactive art installation that turned community reflections into lasting visual narratives.
Created by Ars Electronica Futurelab, Shadowgram is a fusion of art and cutting-edge technology. Using a video camera, a human-scale lightbox, image analysis software, and a digital cutting machine, the installation captures shadow portraits of participants. These silhouettes are paired with personal text, creating micro-stories that collectively paint a picture of the community’s hopes and aspirations for Singleton’s future.
Set up in Bourke’s Arcade, Shadowgram quickly became a gathering point for locals. In its first two days alone, 70 shadowgrams were created, with participants spending 5-10 minutes each to share their thoughts. The installation encouraged residents to reflect on their relationship with the town and imagine its future.
One particularly touching moment came from an 89-year-old resident. Despite her frailty, she eagerly participated, positioning her shadow on a hill overlooking the town—a symbolic gesture that moved both her and her daughter. It was a testament to the project’s ability to foster deep, personal connections and meaningful dialogue.
Shadowgram did more than capture shadows; it amplified voices. By blending art, technology, and storytelling, the project created a vibrant mosaic of community perspectives, contributing to an ongoing conversation about Singleton’s development. It was a powerful reminder of how creativity can bring people together, inspire reflection, and shape the future.
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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