Closing a Chapter on 2021

We are now at the closing end of chapter 2021.

Again, lockdowns and COVID cases meant we were unable to share all the work and programs we so desperately wanted to share with you. The projects that did go ahead after lockdown finally ended, brought back some normalcy and joy.

After such a long time seeing each other via Zoom and Google Hangouts, some in-person reflection was sorely needed. Being in a room together for Story Circle, our annual end-of-year gathering, was amazing, albeit a little scary. Navigating the world after being confined to our home walls became a feat, but being and creating with friends, family and colleagues was the aid we all needed and still need.

This year, we successfully held the FUNPARK Mount Druitt Press Conference with First Nations and Pasifika Youth, worked with our first Artistic Directorate, continued our work in Miller through our ReFILL program, and introduced our new facilitated workshop program Handle With Care.

Here’s what else you may have missed…

“Close your eyes and visualise the journey…”

Thankfully, we were still able to hold our annual end of year Story Circle. We all came together, ate some good food and enjoyed each other’s company.

This year, the Artistic Directorate 2021 participants facilitated workshops that were developed through the program alongside Andrea Lim, our Creative Director. Each participant held their own facilitated workshops on Visualisation, Movement, Discussion and Mindfulness. The workshops utilised portrait making, conversation cards, mapping and memory to creatively explore different themes, different processes and ways of thinking.It was great to see everyone work together and take on these unique workshops with open minds. Thank you to the Directorate for stepping into these challenging facilitation roles and holding space for everyone!

Coming up in 2022…

We have some exciting new works we’ll be sharing in the new year!

GENerate 2168 coming April 2022!

The GENerate 2168 workshop program and mini festival is coming to Miller in April 2022! In preparation for the festival, Samantha Barahona and Andrea Lim, along with other CuriousWorks emerging leaders who will be working with the Miller youth, have been attending Professional Development Sessions on community and community care, social justice and civic engagement. Over the past few months, these sessions have included a workshop swap with MYAN NSW, and speaking with folks like Tian Zhang, Maya Newell as well as our Management Committee chair, Tiffany Lee-Shoy.

Look out for more information on how to get involved and what’s happening in 2022. You can learn a little bit about it here.

New artwork coming soon!

A new collective art project by the CuriousWorks creatives has been in the works over the past year! Through photo, video and audio pieces, the work explores themes ranging from hustle culture, finding comfort in the everyday and staying connected to culture in unexpected ways. The artwork will be showcased at FUNPARK Festival 2022 and GENerate 2168 next year - so keep an eye out!

This project has been supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, Rescue and Restart package.

Image still is from the short film Rise and Grind Inc., a video element of this mixed media installation.

FUNPARK returns!

The long awaited festival has been moved to January 2022! What a great way to start off the year!

FUNPARK 2022 has been developed in partnership with the NSW Government’s The Festival of Place and the FUNPARK Coalition, in association with Sydney Festival.The FUNPARK Festival is an important part of the Bidwill community, and with headliners BARKAA, Clarissa Mei, Manifold, MRVZ and The Pioneers gracing the stage - we are more than excited to see it all finally come together for the community to enjoy.

For the full program and workshop details and to keep updated on all things FUNPARK, follow FUNPARK everywhere! Visit @funpark.2770 on Instagram, FUNPARK.2770 on Facebook, or visit the website www.funpark.org.au

FUNPARK

CuriousWorks is going on holiday and will be closed from Thursday 23rd December 2021 through to Monday 10th January 2022.

Thank you to our Management Committee, funders, partners and supporters; we couldn’t do our work without you.Have a safe and restful end of the year and we will see you in 2022!