Yarra Ranges community members are being asked to share photos, videos and reflections on the Covid-19 pandemic as part of Still Life.
Still Life builds upon Council’s Be Kind initiative and asks community members to reflect and express how life has been for them since the pandemic began in March.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Richard Higgins said the Covid-19 pandemic had caused unprecedented upheaval in communities throughout Australia.
“So many of us are living through a period that has no recent precedent, where our jobs, lives and communities have been disrupted more than we could imagine,” Cr Higgins said.
“As one of our first relief measures for the pandemic, we’ve launched our Be Kind Yarra Ranges initiative – asking community members to be kind to themselves, to others and to small businesses in the region doing it tough.
“Part of being kind to yourself is acknowledging that, no matter what you’ve experienced since the pandemic began, your experiences and perspective matter.
“We have noticed people being kind and now we are looking for our community to share to their experiences through the Still Life project.
“We want to hear from you, no matter what you have to share – photos of empty shelves during the great toilet paper drought, empty streets, socially-distanced birthday celebrations or even the hobby you picked up in isolation,” he said.
“You may have already shared pictures and stories on social media or with friends. Perhaps you have had a creative inspiration during this time. Whatever your response, we’d love you to share them with us as well through Still life.
“Still Life will be a record of what occurred here in 2020, for future generations to look back on, but also a chance for us all to come together and learn about other people’s stories, challenges, sacrifices and resilience in the community”:
“Though it’s changed dramatically, this is still life for everyone – that’s what we’re trying to capture.”
Some of the Still Life entries so far include a letter from 13 year old Liam Bradford about his experiences in the pandemic and an original composition from pianist Edward Willoughby.
In the coming weeks, Still Life will feature a memoir of Jane Cornwell titled, Home on the Ranges.
For more information, and to submit, visit https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Experience/The-Arts/Still-Life
