Hanging Around – The Umbrella Project

Spring has come early to Paddington with an explosion of vibrancy and colour at Paddington Markets.

In association with Kulchafest, a month long celebration of art and culture in Paddington. ”Hanging Around – the Umbrella Project” reminds us that colour and creativity are important to our lives and community.

Umbrellas provide shelter and protection from harsh weather. Paddington Markets is a not-for profit that provides shelter and support for the homeless and isolated and is also committed to provide support for small local Australian artists and small businesses. In hanging these umbrellas, Janet Collins said ‘When I see an umbrella I think of shelter, which is what our homeless centre achieves, it also is a reminder that Paddington Markets open rain, or shine.”

Paddington Markets marks it’s 40th anniversary this year as a community market. It has always been focused on supporting creative locals and serving the local community. Without the Market, the Eddie Dixon Centre for the homeless would not operate. “Our umbrellas hang to celebrate life and creativity whilst remembering that lives also hang in the balance”.

Paddington Markets has a long history of supporting the arts and culture and we believe that Australian designers and creativity should be nurtured and promoted.

“There is no reason that art, culture and community need to be marginalised or sacrificed because of our society’s preoccupation with business and profits. We need to encourage creativity if we are going to prosper as a society and economy into the future” Tina Rendell-Thornton talking about Kulchafest August 2013 !

This project is made possible with the support of Paddington Uniting Church,

Special Thanks to: umbrellas.com.au – All Umbrellas

Kennard’s Hire, Alexandria – All Terrane Lift

KT Keble’s – Wire Rope Installation: Luke Rhodes

Installation Assistants: Shawn Li Sophie Harvey

Photographer: Filip Przerwa

Produced by Janet Collins

Where: 395 Oxford Street Paddington at Paddington Markets

When: From Friday 9th August

Cost: Free