Forgotten Songs is a public artwork located in Angel Place, Sydney. What initially began as a temporary installation in 2009 paved the way for permanent installations, a popular fixture in this part of town.
While the temporary program ran until 2013, intending to inject vibrancy into the urban setting, it led to the idea that a public artwork could be installed on location. This program consisted of two phases, and Forgotten Songs was one of these phases.
Forgotten Songs Bird Cages Lane Artwork, Angel Place Sydney
In addition, Forgotten Songs explores the remarkable ways in which the city’s fauna has changed and adapted to exist alongside modern urbanisation. It invites visitors to take a glimpse into the city’s past and landscape, as well as the vast array of issues that surround sustainability and the development of urban spaces.
The commemoration of these birdsongs that were once heard in years gone by creates beautiful calls that filter down as day gives way to dusk, and the daytime songs change to those of nocturnal birds. Interestingly, some of these bird songs can be heard at the city’s edges, where the birds have found places to nest.
Some species whose songs you can listen to include the Fan-tailed cuckoo, the Scarlet Honey-eater, the Striated Thornbill, and the Spotted Pardalote. These are just over 50 bird songs that can be heard.
Forgotten Songs is the brainchild of Michael Thomas Hill, Richard Wong, Dave Towey, and Dr. Richard Major. It runs along Angel Place between Pitt Street and George Street and remains open all day, with free entry for people of all ages.
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