Historically, Town Hall gatherings were sites of political discussion and action where communities would gather to discuss and resolve collective concerns. A core idea of this new project from artist Richard Bell, RESET, is one of direct action: to reclaim collective spaces as sites of free expression and collective resolution for community.
Bell’s longstanding interest in Aboriginal Lands Rights, Sovereignty and Treaties has evolved over time. His project EMBASSY, which acted as a satellite of the ongoing 1972 Aboriginal Embassy, arose out of that interest. RESET begins with a case to replace Australia’s constitution. Beyond that, it will seek to provide a model and a process for any entity, be it a collective, social club, a company-operative, a limited liability company or a nation/state. The project will be part of the 2026 Sydney Biennale, asking (and answering) what a constitution for the 21st century might look like.
The Constitution of Australia, enacted in 1901, has provided the foundational legal framework for the last 125 years. However, its limitations are increasingly evident, if not obvious. Basically, it was written in the 19th Century by white men for white men. The Australia we live in today is unrecognisable from its inception in 1901. Today we are burdened with constraints that were impossible to imagine back then. Modernity, post modernity, jet travel, brutal wars, mass migration/immigration, vaccines, the internet, social media, and most recently AI. All of these developments give us a glimpse of how deeply change has impacted our lives. Democracy is the favoured model throughout the west, especially in the Angloverse. Consequently, in looking for a progressive and inclusive democratic system, it is necessary to consult citizens as widely as possible.
The goal is to provide a model constitution that can be useful for organisation purposes in circumstances high and low.
This is not merely a legal reform but a profound opportunity to create a more just and representative nation.
The town hall events will be family oriented with an element of play, a sausage sizzle, and activities for children.
