20/05/2026
2024 Quick Reponse Grant recipient - Melissa King
Performance and multi-disciplinary artists Melissa King and collaborator Danni Ashton presented an immersive art installation that explores themes of grief, connection and peace at the 2024 Junction Arts Festival. Based on the work of Japanese garden designer Itaru Sasaki whose phone booth is visited by over 30,000 people and whose concept is replicated worldwide - “The Wind Telephone” is participatory providing a private and safe-space where the caller can choose whomever they want to make a call to.
By the end of the first day of the Festival, "The Wind Telephone" was sold out through word of mouth. One of the most powerful elements for the artists was the debriefing of participants at the conclusion of each session all of whom stayed back and wanted to talk about their experience and give feedback.
For the artists, with the support of the Regional Arts Fund, participating at Junction Arts Festival was the proof of concept and testament to the artists' ability to create a space for people to feel safe enough to engage with the work and then share their experience. Based on its success, the artists plan to tour "The Wind Telephohe" to festivals and approach organisations to partner with. A significant partner which has confirmed their support the project through the artists' work is Lifeline Tasmania.
📸 : Nick Hanson - The Wind Telephone, Kitchen Table
