Design Residency - British Council - Indonesia

During her British Council Design Residency in Indonesia in 2015, Sarah Colson collaborated with a diverse group of people, including residents of self-built communities, people living with HIV, students from local universities, and university lecturers.

Through these collaborations, Sarah engaged with various segments of Indonesian society, gaining insights into their experiences, perspectives, and challenges. This interaction enriched her creative process and fostered meaningful connections within the local community. As a gesture of gratitude to the community, Sarah created an installation of brightly painted birdcages, traditionally kept outside houses as symbols of luck, and hung them along the river as a demarcation of the community entrance. Additionally, she collaborated with local students to create a film showcasing the hidden talents within the community, which was warmly received. Sarah also organised a performance of 'The Meal', inviting individuals with differing views to foster difficult conversations and initiate collaborations, resulting in unexpected partnerships and cooperation.