Opening Hearts, A Human Rights Day Event

On Saturday 10 December, Human Rights Day, First Fleet Park at Circular Quay (next to the MCA) will be covered by a swirling spiral of ceramic human hearts: 1468 of them, one for every man, woman and child currently held in detention on Nauru and Manus Island. 

Sydney artist Penny Ryan aims to help shift perceptions of people seeking asylum by using art to connect us to our common humanity. 

Help Penny raise $5000 to cover the installation costs for this important event.

To date, Penny has covered all of the material costs for this project which has involved over 400 volunteers and dozens of free art workshops. The heart-makers, from diverse backgrounds and all ages, come from all over Sydney and beyond.

Each heart is unique, shaped by its individual maker, and many of them bear inscriptions. On 10 December, the hearts will be wrapped in white cloth and placed on the grass in a huge spiral. Passers-by will be invited to walk into the spiral and ‘open a heart’. By the end of the day we hope that all 1468 hearts will have been unwrapped. Those taking part in the event may also write reflections in the Opening Hearts books that will be on display.

'Opening Hearts' does not aim to educate or convert. When someone enters the spiral, stoops, unwraps a heart, reads its inscription, feels its weight and fragility in their hand and then lays it on the grass, they are free to think their own thoughts, follow their own heart. Stalls will be staffed by organisations involved in assisting asylum seekers and advocating for human rights, ready to offer information and discuss the issues.

This is the first time the hearts have been seen in a public place. Previous installations of the Confined Hearts Project have been in art contexts, including The Chippendale New World Art Prize, National Art School Open Day, Tuggeranong Art Centre 'Seeking Refuge' exhibition.

Funds will be used to pay for site costs, insurance, security and publicity. 

Without your help 'Opening Hearts' cannot proceed.

The event is being supported by a number of organisations advocating for or assisting people seeking asylum, and they will be present on the day to provide information to the public. They are not contributing funds to the day, so their own fundraising efforts aren’t being diverted to this event.

All the hearts have been made by volunteer heart-makers and up until now I have met all the costs of the project (the clay, the metres of muslin needed for wrapping, travel costs for the workshops and installations, promotional materials and banners). The National Art School has supported the project through kiln facilities. Venues for the workshops have been provided by the NAS, STARTTS, and other community organisations.

As you can see the amount I am asking for in donations does not quite cover the cost of the event. I am hoping that I receive a small grant I have applied for which will make up the gap or that possibly more is donated. I will meet any gaps in funding.

We plan to go ahead whatever the weather. But extreme weather events could be a serious challenge!

There is a slight risk that extremist supporters of offshore detention might be affronted by the event. For this reason there will be a training program for volunteers to encourage people to take part and defuse any potential hostility.