This community project ran from April to November 2020, and is now closed.
GENERAL FAQs
The Bird Makers Project, is a global initiative that involves members of the public creating a bird out of black fabric, from online resources provided by Co3. These birds will become an essential component of an epic theatre set for a new contemporary dance work, ARCHIVES OF HUMANITY, premiering as part of the Perth Festival in 2021. Find out more.
Components involve; the making of a fabric bird out of a black garment; writing a story of its creation; registering your bird online; after which, we will arrange collection of your bird for use as part of a theatre set. To get started, refer to the What You Will Need Guide.
The project, for creating black birds by members of the public, runs continually for six months from April to November 2020.
Members of the public participating in the project are charged with creating a bird from a black garment in their wardrobe. A garment donated for the purpose of this project that is likely obsolete in terms of its wearability – embracing a re-use, re-cycle, re-purpose philosophy.
We are creating a set from our community birds that will provide an amazing visual focal point for the contemporary dance work, ARCHIVES OF HUMANITY. Uniformity in the creation of these birds to maintain the flock ‘effect’ is key to the project.
Part of the project is investigating the memories and stories embedded in the fabrics that we wear. Beyond the significance of the actual garment, we are also interested to hear stories from members about its creation in isolation and narratives of personal migration.
All items that you need can be found in the What You Will Need Guide.
No, you can hand-stitch your bird too. There are both options available as part of the resources provided to members on the project.
Yes, there are detailed Step-By-Step Videos and an Instruction Guide. Including three different sized bird patterns to choose from.
BIRD MAKING FAQs
On average, between 1 – 2.5 hours. Depending on your skill level and whether you are following machine sewing or hand stitching instructions.
Correct. The raw edges of the fabric remain on the outside, there is no requirement to turn the bird shapes inside-out after sewing. This rawness is part of the design brief for the set and in fact makes the bird even easier to create!
We would prefer you keep the birds predominantly black in colour and embellish with fabric elements only. So, no feathers, eyeballs or bedazzling. We are looking for the flock of 1001 black birds to have some uniformity. Additional individuality will come from the story you share of the meaning behind its creation.
Yes. You are welcome to make as many as you like. After all, we need 1001 of these made for the set. Please register them separately.
Don’t worry – we are here to help! If you are on Facebook, we suggest you join The Bird Makers Community, where Paul Row and other members can support you through the process. Alternatively, email us using birds@co3.org.au.
You can register your bird via the online form Register Your Bird. Upon completing your registration, you will receive an email confirmation about your submission.
If have registered your bird and are in Western Australia, please ensure you –
Register your bird online – this is critical so we can identify you, your bird and collate your story
Prepare your bird to make one final migration to on of the following locations by the end of November, 2020:
State Theatre Centre of Western Australia (10am – 5.30pm Mon-Fri) or
King Street Arts Centre (10am – 4pm Mon-Fri)
Note: Co3 staff are still working from home, if you are travelling to King Street Arts Centre, please call us on 9226 2322 prior to arriving so we can ensure a staff member is available to meet you.
If you are based regionally, please email info@co3.org.au as to how we may be able to help with the collection of your bird.
Alternatively, if you are willing to cover the cost of postage, you can send it straight to us at the address below.
Co3 Contemporary Dance
PO Box 7009
CLOISTERS SQUARE WA 6850
AUSTRALIA
Yes. Everyone from across the country and around the world are welcome to take part in bird making, sharing your story and registering your bird online. We cannot cover interstate postage or international shipping. However, if you would like to send your bird to Perth at your own expense, we will be more than happy to accept it.
Please address to:
Co3 Contemporary Dance
PO Box 7009
CLOISTERS SQUARE WA 6850
AUSTRALIA
