Platform Arts is partnering with Central Geelong to offer 13 fun and rewarding workshops as part of Storyfest, including a public art project for RISING festival. Storyfest is Central Geelong’s children’s festival delivering creative experiences for children aged 3-16 years. It’s a 17-day festival of stories, live performances, hands on and virtual workshops, Easter activities, competitions and exhibitions.
Platform Arts is excited to offer the below workshops. We encourage you to book early due to limited places.
Wandering Stars
Create a handmade lantern for Wandering Stars, a public art project for RISING festival. Hundreds of lanterns will be made across the state in collaboration with an international arts company, First Peoples leaders and local community groups. This workshop is recommended for participants over 10 years.
When: Tuesday 6 April, 11.00am-3.30pm
Book here
Drawing With Text
Participants will create an artwork using their own words & simple drawings led by artist & illustrator Tegan Iversen. The artworks created will be colourful and honest, with each participant encouraged to create something personal to them, utilising their own voice through visual text & fun imagery. This workshop is for participants aged between 10-25 years.
When: Wednesday 7 April, 10.30-11.30pm
Book here
Out of Your Head, Onto the Page
Participants will learn how to turn their ideas and words into a poem in this workshop facilitated by spoken word artist Amarachi Okorom. Each attendee is encouraged to bring a notebook, pen and a phone, tablet or other mobile recording device. They will have the chance to write a short poem and practice different techniques for delivery and performance. This workshop is for participants aged between 12-25 years.
When: Wednesday 7 April, 1.30-2.30pm
Book here
Finding The Words
Let your inner poet out and learn to create dada and ode poetry in this fun writing workshop facilitated by Annie Mullen-Walsh. Attendees may like to bring a particular newspaper, magazine or piece of ‘junk’ mail they’d like to get creative with, but this is optional as some will be provided also. This workshop is for participants aged between 10-16 years.
When: Thursday 8 April, 10.30-11.30am
Book here
Found Images & Abstraction
Learn how to use found imagery and the world around you to making abstract artworks. With guidance from artist Dean De Landre, you will take images from magazines and newspapers and use them as a starting point to create abstract artworks. This workshop is for participants aged between 10-25 years.
When: Thursday 8 April, 10.30-11.30am
Book here
Life’s A Drag
Participants will learn the basics of drag makeup, exploring the endless options of gender expression and how one can use makeup in a non-standard way. Participants will also have the opportunity to document their creations through photographic portraiture facilitated by artist and curator, Zara Sully. This workshop is for participants aged 16-25 years and is aimed towards gender and sexually diverse community members.
When: Thursday 8 April, 1.30-2.30pm
Book here
Developing Narrative Arcs in Storytelling
Learn how to take a theme or concept in your writing and develop it into a narrative arc. In this workshop facilitated by filmmaker Becki Bouchier, examples from well-written films will be shown to demonstrate the importance of a narrative arc in storytelling. Writers will then develop their ideas into a screenplay or short story. This workshop is for participants aged 12-20 years.
When: Thursday 8 April, 1.30-2.30pm
Book Here
Indigenous Weaving
Learn traditional Indigenous weaving techniques and create your own unique work using a variety of materials. You will be learning from local artists and proud Gunditjmara Keerray Woorroong sisters Kelsey and Tarryn Love. This workshop is for participants aged between 10-25 years.
When: Tuesday 13 April, 1.30-2.30pm
Book Here
Making Comic Zines
Begin your self-published comics journey in this workshop facilitated by comic artist Mia Nie. Attendees will learn the core principles of how independent comics are made, and have the opportunity to plan, draw, and produce a short comic zine.
When: Wednesday 14 April, 10.30-11.30am
Book Here
Figures & Faces in Narrative
Local illustrator Angela McGinness will teach you how to illustrate your figure or portrait, then design an environment for your character. Think about a character, fictional or real, who inspires you and build a small world around them, using shapes or symbols to help compose a cohesive artwork. Or if you like, you can come up with your own character!
When: Wednesday 14 April, 1.30-2.30pm
Book Here
Creative Meditation
Learn how to receive new inspiration, ideas and takes on your artistic practice by developing your own creative meditation practice. Actor and theatre-maker Gretel Sharp will guide you through fun performance techniques and creative mindfulness practices. This workshop is for participants aged 14-25 years.
When: Thursday 15 April, 10.30-11.30am
Book Here
Cardboard Garden
Create flower and plant sculptures from recycled materials, with LAB artist-in-residence George Goodnow. You will cut, glue and paint cardboard material to produce plants of your choice, and we’ll discuss together how objects can be repurposed and reimagined more broadly. Materials will be supplied, however, feel free to bring any cardboard (eg. cereal boxes, shoe boxes, used gift wrap etc.) from your home.
When: Thursday 15 April, 1.30-2.30pm
Book Here
Intuitive Embroidery
Embroidery is essentially about stitching one thing after the other. It is a process as well as an end. In this two-hour workshop, artist Aaron Billings will guide you through several decorative stitches; pinwheels, French knots, chain stitch and stumping. This workshop is for participants aged between 13-25 years.
When: Thursday 15 April, 1.30-2.30pm
Book Here
Places are limited, so we encourage you to book early.