Merredin Projects

The nights were lit up, and historic buildings were scrawled upon when VJ and digital artist Jerrem Lynch helped residents of Merredin leave their (temporary) mark on their community. With a week-long residency and workshops funded by Sharing Stories, new digital technology was used as a voice for town members to communicate their likes, dislikes, and expectations of Merredin (270km east of Perth in the Wheatbelt).

Over five days in April 2009 Jerrem Lynch conducted a series of workshops based around the use of digital mediums such as projection and video editing in creating instant yet temporary artworks. There were kids workshops run each afternoon, and several workshops just for adults – teaching them how to get information and artwork online, watch live video mash-ups, and where to start in making art on the computer.

To open and close the ‘Merredin Projects’ week, Jerrem hosted street projection nights, where a digital tablet was set up to project directly onto buildings around town. By drawing onto the tablet, or directly onto the wall with a laser, participants were able to have their creative pictures and statements broadcast for all to see.

The intersection of cutting edge technology and historic town landmarks created intrigue and entertainment for everyone involved, and some interesting – although short-lived – interpretations of the town and it’s buildings.

Thanks to Healthway and Relationships Australia for helping the people of Merredin ‘Make Time to Talk’, and share their connection to the town. Thanks also to the Shire of Merredin, the Cummins Theatre, Jerrem Lynch and the residents of Merredin for creating such an interesting week of digital communication skills development and presentations!

 Photo credits > Jane Bandurski 

Take me back to Sharing Stories funding.