We love Creative Space Southern Highlands because they are all about building a welcoming, inclusive and safe space for locals.
Plus, it’s an awesome way to make new friends while getting creative with arts and crafts.
After moving out of their Bowral location, Creative Space Southern Highlands is now rolling out a new outreach program, bringing creative fun to different spots all around the Highlands.
We chatted with Creative Space Team Leader Tania PD McInnes to hear what these changes mean and how everyone can join in.
We’re super excited to share all the cool stuff coming up with Creative Space Southern Highlands and can’t wait to spread the good news!
What’s the new outreach program all about?
“The outreach program was born as a way of expanding our reach in the Wingecarribee Shire,” says Tania.
The program uses accessible venues around the Highlands and works hard to make sure sessions feel safe and welcoming for all folks.
To keep the community involved, Creative Spaces held three “Community Conversation” events in early June this year to hear from community members about what activities they were interested in and where. This helps them to map out the future of the program.
In the meantime, weekly sessions have already commenced at local venues which is exciting! Keep an eye out for what’s on offer so far.
Who runs Creative Space?
Creative Space is run by St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies). Sessions are delivered by a wide range of community focused facilitators and local services.
Who can benefit from it?
Creative Space is a place for anyone over 18 from any LGA to come together.
“We currently attract a diverse mix of people of all ages who are looking to expand their skills and experience as well as meet new people,” says Tania.
What kinds of services and activities does the program offer?
Creative Space is a place for anyone over 18 from any LGA to come together.
“We currently attract a diverse mix of people of all ages who are looking to expand their skills and experience as well as meet new people,” says Tania.
What kinds of services and activities does the program offer?
“The Community Conversations helped to build the future timetable with ideas from locals who want to make the most of the program,” Tania details.
And in exciting news, there are already a mix of awesome sessions on offer, such as Accessible Tai Chi; sewing and fixing days; Mosaics and Kintsugi-inspired workshops and Raffia Weaving with local First Nations Creative, Pam from Possum Tails.
Other workshops include creative writing, music, singing, Waste to Art workshops and open studio sessions where people can work on their own projects with support available.
Most of the workshops and activities are by gold coin donation and for a full list of upcoming sessions, check out the Creative Spaces Southern Highlands Facebook page.
How can Highlanders sign up or get involved?
If you are interested in coming along and would like to keep up to date with their timetable and special events, you can email: creative.space@vinnies.org.au or give them a call or text on 0417 847 492.
You can also follow them on their Facebook which is updated regularly.
If you are curious about the sessions but not ready to commit, a short pop-in to check it out is a great idea.
“You are very welcome to stop in for a visit, “ says Tania.
“You can contact to book in or turn up on the day. You are also welcome to bring someone with you like a friend or support person.”
Want to see some art in action?
The Annual Creative Spaces Art Show is on display now at CTC Robertson and has just been extended to July 6!
Check it out at 58-60 Hoddle Street Robertson (The Yellow Building)
Opening Hours:
Thursday + Friday 10am -4pm
Saturdays 9am – 1pm
“We love the CTC, it’s a great community resource very aligned with our ideals and they have welcomed us with open arms,” Tania adds.
Are you feeling creative? We sure are!
All the upcoming workshops and activities on Creative Space Southern Highlands’ Facebook and Instagram sound so interesting, and we can definitely think of a few we’d love to join in on.
To join any of the activities, you can reach out to the team at Creative Space Southern Highlands via email, phone, or by following them on social media.
We love our Highlands community, and programs like those at Creative Space Southern Highlands are what make living here so special.
