HOME TRUTHS: POSTCARDS UNSHELTERED
3–30 November 2025 | Media Release >>
HOME TRUTHS is a unique public art project bringing unheard voices to Melburne’s streets.
From 3 November 2025, a roving display of street posters will appear across the CBD and inner suburbs.
Step closer, and you’ll discover handwritten postcards exploring the idea of “HOME” – and what it’s like to survive without one – from people who’ve done exactly that.
Addressed to “Dear Melbourne”, all the postcards were written by local residents who are (or have been) homeless.
Launching personal stories into the public realm, HOME TRUTHS invites us to pause, imagine, and wonder…
- Is “home” just about shelter – or is it something more?
- When our safety and security are taken away, how can we feel “at home” in the world?
- If you lost your own safe haven, where would you turn? How would you survive?
HOME TRUTHS speaks out on behalf of people we seldom hear from. Proudly claiming space on Melbourne’s walls, the exhibition challenges assumptions, celebrates survival, and amplifies unheard voices at the heart of our city.
Check out this beautiful short doco featuring interviews with the writers, created by talented media-maker Kelly Whitworth.
DATES: 3–30 Nov| CONTRIBUTORS: Aunty Ange, Ash Anchor, BYT, Cheryl Schalks, Debi Rice, Gavriil Aleksandrs, Gracie, Helen, Jody Gray, Kirstie, Maria, Paul, Phu-Linh Tran, Rachel Kurzyp, Sean M Whelan, Sandor, Trina, Troy | CURATOR: Meg Mundell | COLLABORATOR: Debi Rice | FUNDING PARTNERS: Generously supported by City of Melbourne Arts Grants + StreetSmart Australia | PROJECT ALLIES: Thanks to the Homeless Persons Union of Victoria, especially their talented resident media-maker Kelly Whitworth, who documented HOME TRUTHS in a series of short films; the amazingly helpful Jono Barwick from Shout Out Loud posters (AKA muso Jono Chords); fellow author Christopher Ruz for emergency design first-aid; Melbourne UNESCO City of Literature Office for wise counsel; Meg Simondson (City of Melbourne arts team) for being awesome; and two wonderful humans, Aviva Tuffield (UQP) and Adam Robinson (StreetSmart), whose support made this project possible.
POSTER SITES:
- CBD billboard (5–17 November): HOME TRUTHS kicks off with a special two-week display at 59 Bourke Street, near Parliament Station. Bringing all the postcards together in one spot, the billboard is right opposite local landmarks Paperback Books & Pelligrini’s Cafe
- Inner suburbs (3–30 November): Select sites around Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood, North Melbourne, Flemington, Brunswick, Preston, Northcote, Thornbury, Footscray, Cremorne, South Melbourne, St Kilda and Balaclava.
Spotted a poster in the wild? Tag us (#HOMETRUTHS) and join the conversation! > Facebook: HOME TRUTHS (Event)
Peel Street, North Melbourne (opposite Vic Markets)
Rose Street, Collingwood (near corner of Smith Street)
Victoria Street, Fitzroy (near corner Brunswick Street)
25 Gilbert Street, Preston
Image credit: original photo by ANNIE SPRATT, via UNSPLASH