Interactive Public Art Installation "Revolving Voices" Unveiled in Astoria Houses, Queens
"Revolving Voices," a collaborative public art project by The Urban Conga and poet Tamra Cosby, has been unveiled as a permanent landmark and communal gathering spot within the Astoria Houses, a public housing development in Queens, New York City. Positioned along the Astoria waterfront near the ferry dock, this innovative installation interweaves local narratives, personal recollections, poetic expressions, and visual elements into a sculptural and interactive environment. Designed to foster connection and shared experiences, the artwork stands as a testament to the community's rich cultural heritage and collective identity.
This initiative emerged from extensive community engagement sessions with Cosby, as part of the “From Roots to Arts: Celebrating NYCHA’s Cultural Heritage” artist-in-residence program, orchestrated by the Public Housing Community Fund and NYCHA. Through these sessions, residents openly shared their life stories, experiences, and perspectives, which significantly influenced both the physical form of the artwork and the embedded imagery and text. This deep level of community participation ensured that "Revolving Voices" genuinely reflects the spirit and history of the Astoria Houses neighborhood.
The installation, shaped like a megaphone, features four large octagonal structures that progressively diminish in size, arranged along the curve of a performance area. Each of these components can be manually rotated, allowing for dynamic reorientation and altering the vistas they encompass. This rotational capability enables the structures to either face the waterfront or turn towards the Astoria Houses, thus creating varying dialogues between the artwork, its surroundings, and the community. The perforated metal exteriors showcase figures, activities, and tales from the Astoria Houses community, while the interiors are adorned with etched messages, memories, and poetry contributed by Cosby and other residents. These rotating forms also serve as adaptable portals, comfortable seating, and versatile gathering spaces for diverse community activities.
Conceived for both daily use and special community gatherings, "Revolving Voices" invites a range of activities such as sitting, climbing, exploration, performances, poetry readings, musical events, conversations, and moments of quiet contemplation. By merging interactive structures with community-generated visuals and narratives, this project transforms a public waterfront area into a vibrant setting for collective assembly and storytelling. Ryan Swanson, Principal of Urban Conga, emphasized that by centering the voices, memories, and ongoing involvement of residents, the artwork cultivates a sense of belonging and encourages people to connect. Artist Tamra Cosby added, "This piece reflects the idea that our voices may change over time, but they remain connected."
Lisa Bova-Hiatt, NYCHA Chief Executive Officer, noted that the "Connected Communities" program places residents at the heart of the design process, ensuring that art in their developments truly mirrors the people who inhabit them. Alex Zablocki, Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund, highlighted that "Revolving Voices" vividly portrays the stories and lived experiences of Astoria Houses residents, narrating the community's history in an engaging and interactive manner. The words within the artwork are meticulously cut out, creating a tactile experience that allows individuals to literally feel the embedded messages, further deepening their connection to the piece and its communal essence. The installation's unique design fosters an environment where residents can actively shape their surroundings, making the space uniquely their own and adapting it to their evolving needs and desires.