An artistic installation named “World Kiosk” by the artist-led collective Variable Matter, is an immersive experience to “pause, listen and feel the threads” of a story, and the broader concept of using kiosks in the art world as interactive platforms or cultural venues to engage with art and community. In September 2025 the installation was part of the Arts by the Sea Festival in Bournemouth and three members of Soroptimist International Bournemouth volunteered to act as hosts.
Having done some training, we each participated for two hours during the festival, inviting people to sit, listen to people’s stories on headphones, read specially printed newspapers with more narratives, have some free herbal tea and then chat about the experience. Participants appeared to really enjoy the opportunity to pause and think about others and then provided written feedback on postcards. Overall it was interesting and we felt we added to the experience of the participants.
Feedback was received from one of the organisers: “Thanks for this and it has been a real pleasure working with your members on this project – they have all been incredibly kind, generous and sensitive with their time and contributions.”
If you are interested in this and would like to come along to a Soroptimist International Bournemouth meeting to find out more, please email us at sigbibournemouth@hotmail.co.uk.