Ahead of the Curve: Workshop Series
CAPACITY-BUILDING PROGRAM
October - November 2022
Visual ID: illustration element by Mimi Leung
The Ahead of the Curve: Workshop Series provided young creatives of colour with professional development opportunities while focusing on wellbeing and sustainability in the arts. Responding to the mental health challenges faced by young people of color during the pandemic, the series offered a safe space for diverse creatives to connect, practice self-care, and develop skills to build sustainable and thriving careers in the arts.
Workshop themes included improving participation in the business of the arts, creating emotionally sustainable creative practices, exploring storytelling and movement through dance, and the joy of learning about teas, blending custom mixes, and sharing stories about food and culture.
The Workshops:
Becoming a Wiz in the Arts Biz
Facilitated by Miriam Abud
25 October 2022
Siteworks, Brunswick
This two-part workshop, facilitated by Miriam Abud, supported creatives of colour in Melbourne in developing essential business skills for the arts industry. The sessions covered topics such as managing finances, building partnerships and networks, project planning, self-promotion, and seeking funding.
Designed to empower participants to manage their arts practice sustainably, the workshops offered practical insights and strategies to help creatives navigate the business side of their careers. Attendees could join one or both sessions, each providing valuable tools for building a thriving and well-managed arts practice.
Image Credit: Jonathan Homsey at the Ahead of the Curve Launch event 2022. Photo by Wild Hardt.
Finding Emotional Sustainability in the Arts
Facilitated by Summayyah Sadiq-Ojibara
26 October 2022
Siteworks, Brunswick
Facilitated by Summayyah Sadiq-Ojibara, a psychotherapist, counsellor, and mindfulness guide, this workshop supported creatives of color in developing sustainable practices for their artistic journeys. Participants explored themes such as managing emotions, overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing anti-hustle culture, and adopting strategies for wellness and balance.
The session provided a safe and inclusive space for reflection, personal sharing, and collective learning, equipping attendees with valuable tools to foster emotional sustainability in the arts.
Image Credit: Janette Hoe, The Seafarer’s Welcome, Mapping Melbourne 2018.
Photo by Damian W Vincenzi.
Movement and Meditation to Re-Inhabit Ourselves
Facilitated by Jackie Sheppard and Maura García
3, 18, 25 November and 2 December 2022
Dancehouse and Moss Studios
Led by Indigenous dance artists Jackie Sheppard (Kurtjar/Kunjen) and Maura García (non-enrolled Cherokee/Mattamuskeet), this workshop series combined breathwork, meditation, visualization, and movement to foster self-connection and storytelling. Participants explored culturally grounded dance practices, story-mapping, and free-form movement, softening the boundaries between self and spirit while expanding their sense of existence.
Part of the International Indigenous Cultural Exchange project, the workshops incorporated community engagement and storytelling, offering a collaborative and reflective space to connect with inner narratives and cultural expression.
Image Credit: Jackie Sheppard. Photo by Sudeep Lingameni.
Herbal infusions for Health and Wellbeing
Facilitated by Rasha Tayeh
5 & 12 November 2022
Siteworks, Brunswick
Facilitated by artist and herbalist Rasha Tayeh of Beit e’Shai, this workshop invited creatives of color in Melbourne to explore the benefits of herbal infusions for restful sleep, mood enhancement, and digestive health. Participants engaged in a hands-on session, learning about various herbs and crafting their own personalized tea blends to take home.
The workshop provided a space for connection, learning, and self-care, offering practical insights into the role of herbalism in supporting health and wellbeing.
Image courtesy of Rasha Tayeh
MAV partnered with Bittersweet Podcast to explore the dialogue around how to cultivate self-care and wellbeing practices, and develop the skills to assist sustainability in the professional industry with a thriving arts career.
The Podcast
Photographer: Gianna Rizzo
Ahead of the Curve: Workshop Series was supported by The Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
