Residents of Albany, Western Australia, were given the chance to explore the silent realms of death and the art of living well through an interactive installation this winter.
Part of the national event Dying to Know Day, artists Ruth Maddren and James Gentle ran a series of hands on arts and craft workshops at Albany Public Library and Vancouver Arts Centre during June and July.
Community members had the opportunity to get involved in the development of the installation while discussing a range of subjects surrounding living well and end of life. The installation will be presented to the community through the City of Albany’s Vancouver Arts Centre between 5 and 31 August 2019.
City of Albany Manager Community Engagement, Julie-Ann Gray, said the installation was a great way to highlight the importance of discussing end of life and grieving well with loved ones.
“It’s a fact of life that we will all die or experience the death of a loved one. Starting the conversation with your family while you’re well, no matter your age is important to making sure you can have everything in place at a sensitive time for most.
“This installation aims to break down the stigma surrounding death, encourages an early planning process, and aims to celebrate the art of living well and dying well.”
The installation was commissioned by the City of Albany in partnership with the Western Australia Primary Health Alliance, and is part of a program delivered through the Compassionate Communities Project funded by the Brandenburg Foundation.
