Experience interactive augmented reality art in the heart Footscray

Published on 07 April 2022

Residents and visitors to Footscray can now experience the suburb with a new lens, through a suite of interactive augmented reality artworks scattered throughout the CBD.

64 Ways of Being is an exciting new self-guided augmented reality public art project being launched right here in Melbourne’s west – in the heart of Footscray.

The project has been developed in partnership with RMIT University who worked with local community members who shared their own personal stories of Footscray.

The suite of brand new artworks are scattered throughout Footscray, linking to each other and providing an interactive journey through area, and activating public spaces with the click of a button on a smart phone.

To access the experience, residents can download the free 64 Ways of Being app on their smart phone and follow the on-screen cues to move through the streets of Footscray.

The artworks are accessed via physical markers, like graphic signs on a wall or intriguing posts near a footpath, that trigger artworks created for specifically for the area accompanied by soundtracks from local Melbourne musicians such as Ajak Kwai and Allara Briggs, and narration from Elders and local figures including N’arweet Dr Carolyn Briggs AM, Uncle Larry Walsh and Samuel Gebreselassie who share stories, memories and knowledge about the landscape.

Artworks are located throughout Footscray, including near Madden Square, along Nicholson Street and next to the Grand Theatre – all you need is a smart phone and a pair of headphones.

64 Ways of Being has been developed by RMIT University and supported by Creative Victoria.

To download the app and experience the artworks, visit www.64waysofbeing.com

Message from the Mayor, Cr Anthony Tran

Footscray is full of rich culture and history which is shown through the many beautiful restaurants and creative activities that bring vibrancy to our great City. This exciting new initiative demonstrates how by merging art with community spaces and technology residents and visitors can connect with this diverse cultural hub in a new way.

This new interactive art experience is sure to extend and enhance the visitor experience and I hope locals and visitors alike will enjoy this experience and installation while it is here.

Maribyrnong News

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