Stories From The Sea is a community arts project exploring creative responses to marine debris. Rather than simply collecting and disposing of ocean plastics, the project invites our community to come together to create, experiment, share stories and imagine new possibilities.
The project is supported through the Practice in Community program and is being developed in collaboration with Beach Patrol volunteers, artists, community groups, schools, Traditional Owners and local organisations.
What are we trying to address?
Over many years of coastal clean-ups, several challenges have become clear:
Southwest Victoria is a hotspot for marine debris washing ashore.
Volunteers carry much of the responsibility for collecting, storing and disposing of ocean waste.
Much of the material collected cannot be recycled through conventional systems.
People often feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem and are looking for ways to contribute beyond clean-ups alone.
At the same time, we've discovered something powerful:
Many people are seeking opportunities for creativity, connection, learning and meaningful action.
What are we doing?
Stories From The Sea is creating opportunities for people to:
Explore creative reuse of marine debris.
Learn from artists, makers and environmental advocates.
Share stories and experiences connected to the coast.
Experiment with new ideas and materials.
Build connections between art, science, community and environmental action.
Co-design future activities and directions for the project.
Activities may include artist talks, workshops, creative gatherings, exhibitions, collaborative artworks, storytelling projects, citizen science and community conversations.
Importantly, the project is not about delivering a predetermined outcome.
Instead, it is about listening, experimenting and discovering together what this community wants and needs.
Why "Stories From The Sea"?
Every item that washes ashore has a story.
Some have travelled thousands of kilometres across the Southern Ocean. Others reveal something about our local habits, industries and communities.
By collecting, documenting and creatively reimagining these materials, we can transform waste into conversation, connection and action.
Stories From The Sea is about more than rubbish.
It's about people, place, creativity and our shared relationship with the ocean.