Play Beyond Playgrounds Symposium Report

Abstract

This report documents the proceedings and findings of the two-day symposium 'Play Beyond Playgrounds: Rethinking the role of public art in urban play' held at the University of Sydney on Thursday 30th November and Friday 1st December 2023. Comprising of keynotes, panel discussions, workshops and site visits this dynamic interdisciplinary event brought together experts from public art, urban planning, landscape architecture, academia, child development, and urbanism to collaborate, converse, grapple and play. Led by visual arts researchers Dr. Sanné Mestrom and Nadia Odlum from ART/PLAY/RISK and the University of Sydney, in partnership with leading landscape architect firm ASPECT Studios, this symposium challenged the status quo of urban play, asking the crucial questions: How can we harness the transformative power of play in public life to create better future cities, empowering individuals and communities? And what role can public art and design play in this vital transformation? The findings presented in this report advocate for the role of playable public art in shaping a city that empowers individuals of all ages to thrive and grow.