The Queer Art Collective (Carabiner Bench: Nature found no fault with me)

About Project

Carabiner Bench: Nature Found No Fault With Me was a sculptural public artwork developed through an eighteen-month youth-led co-design process with LGBTQIA+ young people. Participants shaped the artwork's themes, meaning, and direction through a sustained program of creative development focused on identity, belonging, visibility, and connection.

The resulting artwork was created as both a gathering place and a public statement of LGBTQIA+ presence and belonging. The project was shortlisted for the Incinerator Art Award: Art for Social Change.

Impact

The project created a sustained space for LGBTQIA+ young people to connect, contribute, and see their experiences represented in the public realm. It extended beyond the creation of an artwork, using the co-design process itself as a mechanism for social connection, community building, and public advocacy.

Testimonial

“The venerability and celebration of the Queer Temporary Public Artwork and experience of the whole project helped me feel more rooted in and within my community. My involvement helped me feel like there is a space for me in this community and even an appreciation.”

— Youth participant/collaborator

Location: Burrinja Cultural Centre / Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave, Victoria

Date: 2024–2025

Artists: Lead Artist — Tay Haggarty; Lead Project Manager — Gülşen Özer

Collaborators: LGBTQIA+ young people participating in the Queer Art Collective co-design process

Organisations / Partners: Burrinja Cultural Centre; Queer Art Collective; VicHealth; Yarra Ranges Council; Melbourne Water

Manufacturing: C5 Systems Melbourne

Photography: Cathy Ronalds