Literally
a gigantic book, 5 metres tall and opening out to over 11 metres wide, Great Wall of Books is a vessel that both generates and stores written, aural and visual
stories.
People are invited to create and record their own stories across a range
of interactive spaces within the structure. These creations are bound
and catalogued, becoming a part of the ever-evolving library that is
the central body of the book.
As
well as a site for gathering and creative response, the Book, with the
help of ground based and aerial performers, transforms into various
symbolic shapes and spaces - a two tiered theatre; a wall, whose very
building blocks are books; a gallery; a cinema; and a quiet space to
escape the cacophony of the outside world.
The
project aims to build bridges across cultures through the
recording and sharing of personal stories. This concept acts as a snapshot into the mind of the cities and sites in which the
Book inhabits, a touring archive of the thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears and hopes of people across the globe.
The Great Wall of Books was in residence in Macao, China from June
to September 2007 and Melbourne, Australia during January 2008.
The Great Wall of Books is a ten year project.