DED - Leaving Euphemisms for Dead

You know those classic phrases like 'Rode into the Sunset', 'Croaked It', 'Pushing Up Daisies', and 'Kicked the Bucket'? They're practically part of our linguistic DNA. Wikipedia has 62 entries on its 'List of English-language euphemisms for death' page. But why do we dance around the word 'death' with these euphemisms? Perhaps it's for our own comfort, or maybe it's to soften the impact on others, or perhaps we're just skirting around the inevitable.

Using euphemisms as the provocation, or the muse, join poet Clare Bizley, and visual artist and fashion designer Marlene Kranz, to respond to one or all the euphemisms. Blow them up, confront them, ponder their purpose, rearrange them, write a skit, write your own, or reframe them. The choice is yours. 
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This event is leading into Dying to Know Day on 8 August. D2KD is a vibrant national campaign and movement dedicated to shining a light on the transformative power of community to help dissolve the discomfort of talking about death and dying, and inspire individuals to talk about their own unique final arrangements. For more events taking place across Australia, online or here in Darwin visit their website. 

The August DED session is generously supported by the Australian Government Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.

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Death Education and Discussion (DED) sessions take place on the first Saturday of the month and are an opportunity to tackle the topic of death from different angles. All sessions are respectful, curious, and may include creative elements.

If you have the time and means, please bring some cake or another tasty morsel to share with the group.

These in-person events take place at Darwin Community Arts on Travers Street in Coconut Grove, Darwin. Come and join the conversation about this inevitable part of life in a supportive and welcoming environment.
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Please be advised the sessions are not intended as professional therapy or grief counselling. If you need this support please reach out to professionals equipped to give you the support you need. Lifeline 13114, Beyond Blue Webchat, or Amber NT for support in grief after the death of a child.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this open to everyone?

This event is open to everyone who wants to learn more about end of life and some of the things we can do to support ourselves and loved ones at end of life. We welcome people who wish to contribute to proactive and supportive conversations around death and dying.

Is there a cost?

Attendance for these sessions is free. There will be tea, coffee and water available. If you have the time and means to contribute by bringing a shared plate for afternoon tea that would be welcome.

Is there a limit on how many people can attend?

Due to the nature of the conversation, and the size of the venue, we can accommodate up to 25 people.

Who are the presenters?

Presenters, panel members, or facilitators will change each month. Some months we will have presenters who have worked in the end of life space, and other months will include people with a deep interest in end of life conversations and raising death awareness in the community.

What is the format of the sessions?

The sessions will vary each month but as a general guide the first 10 - 15 minutes will be meet and greet followed by a 50 - 60 minute presentation. There will be time afterwards for people to stay and do a practical and/or arts based activity based on the presentation.

Do I need to be artistic to attend?

Not at all. Whilst we are holding the sessions at Darwin Community Arts the core intention of the sessions is to raise our collective death awareness in the community. Some months we will have more arts based sessions but these are guided sessions and everyone and every artistic ability is supported.