Australias Museum Victorias PLACE-Hampi project near Hampi a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka is a case in point. Conceived in 2006 in Melbourne, PLACE- Hampi is a new media art installation which takes the viewer to a whole new level of heritage experience, with its dynamic audio-visual experience. It is installed in Kaladham Art and Cultural Precinct in Vijaynagar. 

It toured to China, Germany, France and Singapore before finally being installed permanently at Kaladham. The idea behind PLACE-Hampi was conceived and curated by Dr. Sarah Kenderdine. We were inspired by Hampi for the stunning conjunction of landscape [a granite boulder field], the monumental and intricate architectural features of the Vijayanagar kingdom and, the everyday cultural practices of Karnataka, all three are closely interwoven at Hampi, said Dr. Kenderdine. 

The installations journey dates back to 1995, when Jeffery Shaw developed an interactive panorama platform called PLACE.A China Stone Carving concept that would double as a quick charge station for gadgets. Together, Mr. Shaw and Dr.What's the difference between Marble tiles and Porcelain Tiles? Kenderdine renovated this platform into three-dimensional viewing for PLACE- Hampi, by consistently working on panoramic photography. They used ambisonic sound capture, which best translates into a 3D architecture for sound, for PLACE-Hampi. During the fieldwork, the environmental or ambient sound of a particular location is recorded at the same time as the panoramas. This interactive revealing of Hampi is very compelling, a journey you could never take at the site itself, explained Dr. Kenderdine. 

The project is the result of 30 years of research on Hampi and Vijaynagar by art historian Gorge Michell and archaeologist John Fritz. The research team, along with photographer John Gosllings, took a total of 15 days with two visits to Hampi, to capture the visuals and essence of the place. Hampi is not well known around the world; PLACE-Hampi introduces people to this extraordinary site and its history that they would not otherwise come to know, said Dr. Kenderdine. 

If the PLACE-Hampi project deals with the Australians interest in Indian art, Snuff Puppets engagement with India aimed at theatrical skill sharing and spreading compassion. The Snuff Puppets, Australias giant puppet theatre company, was invited to India by thespian Divya Bhatia, who was approached by the Australian High Commission to participate in the Oz fest. 

Mr. Bhatia introduced the group to SNEHA, a non-profit body working in the child and maternal issues sector in Mumbais Dharavi slum. Together,Gives a basic overview of Stone carving tools and demonstrates their use. they conducted a 10-day workshop for young adults of Dharavi; it was called the Peoples Puppet Project. The participants went on to perform at various places in Mumbai, including the National Centre for the Performing Arts and at IIT-Bombays annual festival, Mood Indigo. 

The spokesperson of Snuff Puppets recounted the final performances as public celebrations of the collaborative work that went into making all the puppets and the act together as a groupthere was a lot of hard work, fun, games, play and dancing throughout the entire process; everyone had a chance to do a bit of everything, so there was lots of skill sharing and learning at the heart of the process. 

The Dharavi residents told their stories, helped make the puppets and performed in the shows. Mr. Bhatia plans to take these performances beyond Mumbai with the Dharavi team soon. 

Both the projects have been awarded back home at the inaugural Australian Arts in Asia Awards, organised by the Australian governments Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. While Museum Victoria was awarded for innovation and Snuff Puppets was awarded for philanthropy. 

The sound of bagpipes filled the air as the community prepared to say its goodbyes to the 19 Hotshot firefighters who were taken way too soon.The fundraiser's organizer, Tony Silva, says it is the bagpipe's signature sound that lets him know the gravity of this tragic loss of life. 

"That's when it hits you. That's when you know the reality that we've lost a lot of young men, that we've lost a lot of character, a lot of talented young men," Silva said. "And to know that they're gone and they're missed and there is such a commencement about it, really hits it home. And it hits you right where it hurts."Firefighters, border patrol agents and police officers from all over Yuma County were at the memorial to pay tribute. 

Somerton firefighter and Yarnell fire volunteer Robbie Rodriguez gave a heartfelt message from local firefighters to the families of the Hotshots."We really feel that we are a part of your family as you are a part of ours, so thank you very much," Rodriguez said. 

Rodriguez spent more than a week in Yarnell, helping the families of his fallen comrades get through the initial shock of the tragedy, as well as to plan funerals.As for today's memorial, nearly six weeks later, Silva says it is proof of just how deep the brotherhood of firefighters really is. 

"You see grown men cry, grown men break down I've seen some strong 6'4", 250 lb men tear up at what's gone on in their home their brotherhood," Silva said."They've lost so many of their young men and it hurts them, so it's really hard to see grown men break down like that. I know that brotherhood runs deep among them, I know that they're missed all these young men here, you may just see their pictures but these young men feel it." 

Silva says the best way to repay the Hotshots for their duty is to keep the memory of their bravery and their dedication close to our hearts always. 

"Remember these kids, cause they could be someone within your community. Remember these kids cause they could've gone on and done something more with their lives. These kids were definitely on their way. The character that they possess is amazing and we can only hope that our kids will be the same and that the next generation will be as strong as these guys were."