Melba has expanded its creative horizons with the launch of a new arts program in Lilydale, offering classes in both visual arts and theatre for people with disability.
The program, which kicked off last week, is being delivered in partnership with The Misfit Project, a youth organisation based in Melbourne’s east that empowers young people through mentoring, writing, Dungeons & Dragons, music and theatre programs.
Meg Charlwood, Creative Arts Practitioner at Melba, said the Lilydale classes were modelled on the success of Arthur Creative, Melba’s thriving arts hub in Ballarat.
“We’re replicating part of what we do at Arthur Creative,” Meg said. “We want to have this going five days a week, and we’re planning to expand into Gippsland and the Mornington Peninsula.”
At the heart of the new program is a focus on self-expression, confidence building and community participation – offering people more ways to be seen, heard and celebrated.
To illustrate the profound impact this program can have, Meg shared the story of Taylor, a young man in his 20s who initially seemed shy at an information day but came alive during the drama class.
“He just lit up – he had the voices on, he was doing the movements, he was doing everything!” Meg said. “His support worker said she didn’t recognise him. This gives Taylor a way to express himself. Otherwise, he’s sitting at home, playing games.”
The theatre program is kicking off with fun, inclusive improvisation sessions designed to boost confidence and creativity. Over time, the group will work together to create and perform an original production, with plans to eventually take the show out into the wider community – including visiting local schools to raise awareness about disability, creativity and inclusion.
Meanwhile, the art classes are designed to be open and artist-led, allowing each artist to pursue their own creative goals.
“Our art classes are open to anybody, and they can do whatever they want to do,” Meg said. “One member of the class wants to exhibit her work, so we’ll work with her to find local galleries or spaces where she can exhibit and even sell her art.”
As the program grows, Melba plans to bring in more facilitators with specialised skills across different creative disciplines, providing even greater opportunities for people to learn, grow and share their talents with the wider community.
Partnering with The Misfit Project brings additional energy and expertise to the program. Rose, one of the Misfit Project facilitators, said drama was a great way for people to connect, have fun and express themselves.
“I’ll be interested to see where they (the people involved) take this program,” she said. “I’m open to anything and just here to help them achieve their goals.”
Kayal was one of the first people through the door on day one. When asked what attracted him to the program, he said: “Meeting people and getting to do fun things.”
“I like drama,” he said. “I like pretending to do stuff. It’s fun and I’m really excited.”
For more information about Melba’s creative programs, or to get involved, contact Meg Charlwood at meg.charlwood@melbasupport.com.au
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