STOP. REST. PLAY is now underway at 126 Murray Street and I was able to visit for the first time this morning, just as things were getting underway. Bec has set up the space in a very comfortable and beautiful way with things begged and borrowed from all over the place – comfortable pre-loved chairs, a few of those signature MONA beanbags (thankyou MONA), lots of little spots to play and draw and make, a plant potting area for hanging plants, a bench from which to make tea and coffee, and a place to change nappies. And somewhere to park prams!
Shop front spaces are certainly a great location for this type of activity as there is quite a lovely interaction with the street. From the inside, one can see continual activity happening outside with passing cars (with passing faces), people on foot, kids holding onto adults hands slowing the pace a little so that they can look in. I think this visual availability of the street and the interior connects the space into the city and helps to ameliorate any uncertainty that a parent might feel in walking through the door for the first time.
Understandably, Bec hasn’t had the opportunity for reflection yet, but she is enjoying the way that the project is starting out slowly and building organically. She is particularly looking forward to the first conversation this Saturday at 10am, where she will have Landscape Architect Sue Small, Artist Nick Hobbs, Kindergarten teacher Kate Turner and Rosie McKeand from TMAG. The conversation is entitled “What do children think, when they think of a better city? as described in the flyer posted a few days ago.
Once again, we hope to see you there.
Judith Abell, Branch Secretary, CWA CBD Branch.
images (top: image from Day 1, taken by Sally Rees; middle: image from Day 3, taken by me; bottom: ongoing seedling activity also taken by me).
