A vibrant and decorative space has been created in Grafton’s Market Square as part of Clarence Valley Council’s (CVC) Rediscover Grafton project.

Featuring a mesmerising light installation by Esem Projects, along with recordings of wild bird calls and Clarence Valley children retelling their stories from the 2022 Long Way Home Writing Competition, Superorganism: Listening to the Anthropocene, is aimed at encouraging community interaction through an audio and visual celebration of nature, local talent, and culture.

Between 6-11pm each night, attendees are welcome to bring their picnic blankets and deck chairs into Market Square and lie or sit below a pair of entwined trees, and engage with the extraordinary experience.

CVC Coordinator of Strategic Planning Tim Stephens is encouraging Clarence Valley residents to head to Market Square during the next few weeks and “make the most of it.”

“This is all a trial,” he explained.

“We’re testing out things that could become permanent down the track.

“Rediscover Grafton is all about people coming together, and that’s something we’re looking to achieve through this event.”

As they relaxed beneath the illuminated trees and listened to the recordings on February 18, Grafton residents Alex Purvis and Claire Aman agreed it was a wonderful way to utilise a public area, adding they would love for the event to become a permanent fixture.

“I love listening to the sounds of the butcher birds and the magpies, and listening to the children’s stories,” said Ms Aman, an acclaimed local author and editor.

“It is a very relaxing experience, and the lighting is beautiful.”

“We’ve already talked about coming back,” Mr Purvis added.

“This is a great event.”

Superorganism: Listening to the Anthropocene will run until March 2.

Rediscover Grafton is funded by the NSW Government through the Streets as Shared Spaces Program.

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 22 February 2023.