Flying Sculptures Workshop - Central West Science Hub

Flying Sculpture Workshop

Date: Sunday - 2nd August 2026 - 10.00am-3.30pm
Location: The Corridor Project - 2997 Darbys Falls Road, Wyangala, NSW 2808.

Supported by: Inspiring Australia NSW

OVERVIEW

This hands-on workshop invites young people and community members to dive into a blend of creativity, regenerative farming, environmental design, and engineering by making seed-dispersing wind socks. Using stained and repurposed tea bags as a key material, participants will explore how fragile, discarded materials can be turned into lightweight structures that carry seeds through the air for ecological benefit.

Together, the group will individually build their own soft sculptural wind sock that can carry and release grass seeds. The intention is to integrate a small seed bank into the design and experiment with mechanisms that respond to wind and gravity. The endemic seeds chosen will focus on supporting biodiversity areas connected to Wiradjuri Country. Throughout, conversations will naturally arise about soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable land care and how art practice can stimulate and support practices of land stewardship.

Participants will experiment with natural fibres to create soft sculptures as a seed dispersal device. The workshop will cover ethical harvesting techniques, sustainable practices, and the role of community engagement in conservation efforts.

This workshop offers a fresh way to combine creative making with ecological restoration and community knowledge-sharing. The results may include innovative prototypes, material experiments, documentation, and public flying demonstrations across The Corridor Project's landscape.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Crafting experimental soft sculptural wind socks from recycled materials

• Exploring ideas around regenerative agriculture and seed sovereignty

• Trying out low-tech seed release systems

• Testing materials for balance and flight

• Flying their kites outside in the landscape

• Design system learning

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Morning Session

• Welcome and introductions

• Overview of workshop focus, methodology and outcomes

• Discussion on local endemic seed species and environmental benefits

• Outdoor in the field observations: identifying local plants

• Crafting experimental soft sculptural wind socks from recycled materials

• Exploring ideas around regenerative agriculture and seed sovereignty

• Trying out low-tech seed release systems

• Testing materials for balance and flying kites outside in the landscape

Afternoon Session

• Continuation of morning activities

ALL MATERIALS PROVIDED

This workshop is perfect for artists, designers, community and anyone interested in sustainable environmental practices, kinetic sculpture and natural ecologies. No prior experience is necessary 14+ recommended.

ABOUT THE TUTOR 

TAYA MIKAH

Guided by artist Taya Mikah who is an emerging artist originally from the Northern Rivers on Bundjalung Country. She graduated from the Sculpture and Spatial Practice department at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2020 and has since worked full-time across a range of roles within the arts industry.

Her practice explores the relationship between functional sculpture and land stewardship, seeking a language that connects material experimentation with ecological care. Since 2021, through residency programs and collaborations with kite builders and aeronautical engineers, she has been developing soft sculptural flying objects that operate at the intersection of sculpture, movement, and ecological function.

While her practice spans ceramics, theatre-making, and sculpture, an environmental ethos consistently underpins her work, weaving through each project and informing her approach to making.

This workshop is open to artists, designers, scientists, and curious minds. No prior experience required (14+ recommended).

ABOUT INSPIRING AUSTRALIA NSW

The Central West Science Hub is supported by Inspiring Australia NSW for our year round community workshop program. Inspiring Australia builds influential networks that connect science and engineering researchers with diverse audiences across the state. Working in collaboration with hundreds of partners creating memorable events and programs that explore emerging issues, celebrate scientific discovery, and showcase how Australian researchers and engineers are helping solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.