Connecting through creating

In our busy world, opportunities for younger and older people to connect and learn from one another are few and far between. Yet research has shown that intergenerational connections benefit everyone.

Relationships between older and younger people provide a sense of connection to the past and to the future. Getting to know older adults helps children form a better sense of who they are, where they have come from and how they fit into this world.

At the same time, intergenerational relationships offer older people the opportunity to share in the joy and enthusiasm of childhood and see things through younger eyes.

In an effort to build inter-generational connections, Kensington NeighbourhoodHouse will be organising a series of art-making workshops during the second half of this year.

Our project – “From The HeART” – aims to bring older and younger community members together to create a fantastic public art installation.

The developers of the Kensington Recreation Centre have promised a section of hoarding to use as our “canvas” and local community artist – Jennifer Tran – will be facilitating the project.

Without giving too much away, Jen’s idea is all about connection and collaboration. Participants will be reflecting on their past, present and future selves while drawing, painting and creating something amazing!

Art enables people to share their experiences, thoughts, feelings and imaginations. It is a way for people to express their sense of identity and it enriches lives by providing a means to see and experience the world through the eyes of others.

We hope that “From The HeART” will provide a creative focus for participants to process the impacts of the past few years and explore feelings of belonging.

We’re also hoping to increase opportunities for inter-generational and cross-cultural communication. Not to mention provide a whole lot of colour, creativity and fun! We are currently collecting participants.

If you, or a small person you know, would like to take part in this project, please email [email protected].

Thanks to the City of Melbourne for funding this project with a 2023 Connected Communities Grant.