ISSUE 28

March & April

Queens of Concrete will be screening as the Melbourne International Film Festival returns to the Bunjil Place in 2025! Over four nights experience one of the world's oldest and largest film festivals under the stars.

The next two months are filled with creative opportunites to engage and immerse yourself in the arts in the South East, read on and get involved. 

Connect newsletter is here to keep you up-to-date...

NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES

GRID Series is returning to deliver the South East Artist Development Program in 2025! Through intensive mentoring, song development, recording, film content & live performance, GRID Series provides a platform for music artists to attain visibility, unearthing some of the most exciting, thought provoking & dynamic talent in the country. Keep an eye out for the EOI in mid April here

ARI(SE) South East Edition 2025, EOI’s open until Monday 31 March. This emerging artist exhibition, will feature over 30 visual artists working across all mediums, plus performers, musicians, DJ's, food and drink at the live event night. More information here

Casey Community Awards finalists announced! Join us in celebrating community contributors through our awards program that recognises many outstanding individuals and groups including the Lindsay King Arts Award. Visit the website to see who has made the 2025 finalist list.

 

ART SPACES PROGRAM: AUTUMN

Art Spaces promotes and supports traditional and contemporary work from artists residing in the south east suburbs in an annual curated program. These three dedicated spaces create access to visual art in a diversity of forms and gives artists the opportunity to reach new audiences.

Gumnut Gestures 

Bunjil Place Library, Level 2 showing until Sunday 13 April, during library hours

A celebration of the beauty of gumnuts by Ian Muirhead, inspired by morning walks in Casey's streets and parks. With minimalist compositions and a gelatine silver aesthetic, these prints highlight nature's imperfections and the cycles of growth and decay of one of Australia's iconic trees.

Image: Ian Muirhead, Nature's Bouquet, photography

DREAMS - Fashion, Faces and Play.
A Mama Daughter Collab

The Hayshed Studio, Old Cheese Factory showing until Sunday 13 April, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm daily 

A story of a mama keeping up with her daughter – secretly cheering on her own inner child. Yaz Gaté nee del Mar celebrates fashion, faces and fanning the fire of her daughter Stevie’s love of art and fashion designer dreams. The perks of a home without devices – no comparison, no self-doubt – just play.

Image: Yaz Gaté nee del Mar and Stevie Gaté, A sneaky peek of "Dreams", mixed media

Everyday Beauty 

Cranbourne Library Art Space showing until Saturday 12 April, during library hours

In a world of constant rushing and scrolling, it’s easy to miss the beauty that surrounds us. This series by Kalina Brew, celebrates the landscapes often unnoticed, captured when the passing light lifts them into beauty. Using her signature bold brushstrokes, this exhibition aims to inspire others to stop and notice the beauty that is everywhere.

Image: Kalina Brew, Fenced Out, acrylic 

BUNJIL PLACE GALLERY

Floribunda Opening Night Gala

Bunjil Place, Friday 28 March, 7.00 pm - 10.00 pm 

Dress in your floral best and join us for an evening of abundant blooms and unexpected surprises. Experience captivating performances, feast your eyes on stunning installations and enjoy an exclusive evening preview of Floribunda.

Floribunda is a major exhibition organised by Bunjil Place in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria. Curated by David Sequeira. Bookings

LOCAL PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS

Littlefoot & Co Spoken Word Night 

Bunjil Place Studio, Thursday 13 March & Thursday 17 April, 7.45 pm - 10.00 pm

Calling all storytellers, poets, musicians, comedians, and word enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned performer or a first-timer, everyone is welcome to participate or simply be part of the audience. Register on the night or secure your spot in advance by contacting littlefootandcompany@gmail.com READ MORE

Emergent 2024: Graduate Showcase Performance

Bunjil Place Studio, Friday 14 March, 6.00 pm - 7.30 pm

Experience the extraordinary talent of emerging musicians, dancers and performers from our local region. Now in its third year, this unique event celebrates graduating VCE and VET dance, music and performing arts students.  READ MORE

MIFF Autumn Screenings

Bunjil Place Plaza, 15,16, 22, 23 March, 6.30 pm gates open 

With a fabulous Australian and International MIFF film program, complete with live performances and Q&A's, this is an outdoor cinematic experience not to be missed! Select some snacks from our caravan, pre-order a platter or BYO picnic. Tickets are just $10 per night, or $35 for all 4 nights – and include a complimentary drink on arrival. READ MORE

Eid bookings with Fathiah Raihan

Emerging Artist Creative Hub, Tuesday 25 – Friday 29 March

Eid bookings are open in the new home at the Emerging Artist Studio Hub. With a reflection room to sit, connect, pray, journal curated by @ayshapaints open throughout the day and baked goods for sale. Henna & Jagua available for your fam, friends, aunties, children. READ MORE

Free SongMakers Program 

The Factory, Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 April, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm each day 

We have 8 spots left for young people (aged 16-21 years old) in Casey and surrounding areas interested in playing music, song writing and production. Work over 2 days with some of Australia’s most exciting artists and producers to collaborate, write and record original songs from scratch and gain direct insight into music industry careers. READ MORE

Lightfall

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, Sunday 6 - Sunday 20 April

As dusk settles, stroll through an illuminated landscape and see the award-winning botanic gardens come to life under a vast autumn night sky. From light sculptures to immersive soundscapes, Lightfall promises to be a magical evening for all ages. READ MORE

Photography with Zia Atahi

Bunjil Place Library, every Saturday from 7 June – 27 July, 10.00 am – 1.00 pm 

Camera craft, lighting techniques, outdoor and indoor portraits and sharing experiences. 

This opportunity is for locals(18-35 yrs old) in Casey and surrouding suburbs to enhance their photography skills or learn the basics. Don’t miss out on this chance to explore your passion, learn new techniques, and meet fellow photography enthusiasts!

To register or for more information email zeeata10@gmail.com

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CONTRIBUTE TO CONNECT

We proudly acknowledge the Traditional Owners, Casey’s Aboriginal communities and their rich culture and pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s first peoples and as the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we work and live.