Exhibition shines a light this Homelessness Week

Published on 11 August 2023

The City of Hobart is shining a light on the human impacts of the housing crisis this Homelessness Week with a multimedia exhibition that celebrates the often-unseen talents of people experiencing housing stress.

I Am Somebody showcases artworks from the homelessness community developed as part of a series of creative workshops with local artists Greg Taylor and Christine Small as well as contributions from residents of local supported housing facilities.

It will also feature short films from Tasmanian documentary audio artist Helene Thomas, photographers Andrew Wilson and film maker Mick Lowenstein, highlighting the voices and lived experience of people experiencing homelessness and housing stress in Hobart.

Housing and Homelessness Portfolio Chair Cr Dutta said each year Homelessness Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of people experiencing homelessness, the issues they face, and the action needed to achieve enduring solutions.

“The City of Hobart is committed to listening to the voices of people with lived experience of homelessness and our Housing with Dignity Reference Group have been a driving force in developing I Am Somebody since its inception in 2020,” Cr Dutta said.

“The aim of the exhibition is to provide space for people that don’t normally get the opportunity to showcase their creativity and have their voices heard.

“This year’s stories are once again diverse and very personal insights into the complexity of homelessness and how it can impact any of us at any point in our lives, no matter where we come from.”

Workshop facilitator Greg Taylor said that many of the artists thrive on the sense of community creative workshops can provide.

“I thank the artists for participating because they are coming at a moment of perhaps the greatest instability in their lives, and we are asking them to stop and come and make art,” Mr Taylor said.

“Creating a space away from both the chaos and mundane elements of people’s lives is important.”

Workshop participant Joanna Robinson said people have a rigid idea of who you are when you are homeless and that needs to change.

“I think that art is something really positive to show, ‘Hey, these are homeless people who have come from homelessness and look what they can do!’”

This year’s short films as well as previous years are available on the City of Hobart website and provide a valuable resource for schools, community groups and businesses to start a conversation and raise awareness about the impacts of homelessness.

I Am Somebody

Where: Waterside Pavilion, Mawson Place, Hobart

When: Thursday 10 to Monday 14 August, 11am-3pm