Motions: A weekend of artmaking and body moving

⭐ Overview

Motions is a weekend event involving artmaking and body movement. Activities will be done solo, in pairs and as a group. Motions runs on the 10th and 11th of October at the Major Road Community Hall site of Fawkner Neighbourhood House .

💛 Who runs it?

Hello I’m Mohamed! It’s my honour to be guiding your exploration during the Motions weekend. I am trained in Improvised Movement (by Alchemy Dance) and Somatics (by Collective Being) and have been in practice of these for 5+ years.

I am about to finish my Masters in Therapeutic Arts Practice at the MIECAT institute. As part of my studies, I’m completing student placement at Fawkner Neighbourhood House where I have been running Arty Afternoons, a creative support group for locals to Fawkner and Merri-bek.
I am engaged with various ways of making like poetry, illustration, game development, performance and beyond. Ask me ;)

I believe in creativity as a path to better understand and expand our perspectives, and movement practice as a way to deepen into our understanding of ourselves and others. I value justice, agency, play, and a little mischief .

🤎 Who is it for?

Motions is open to anyone above the age of 18. I welcome folks identified as Indigenous, Black, Person of Colour (IBPOC), Queer, Trans, neurodivergent and/or disabled. I highly encourage folks who have an intersecting lived experience of these. Motions is a space allied to the groups mentioned above.

In more sincere terms...I would like to offer body-movement and art-making activities to those who find themselves needing extra support. I want to open this space for those who’ve struggled to listen to their body and express their inner world or haven’t had access to spaces which are dedicated to these things.

💜 How much does it cost?

• Weekend Ticket - $45

• One day Ticket - $30 (either Saturday or Sunday)

Alternative payment options are available, especially for those of marginalized experiences. Please email mohamedch@fawknernh.org.au and include admin@fawknernh.org.au.

The fees aim to cover the operational costs at Fawkner Neighbourhood House. I do not receive any income from this event. Motions is a contribution toward my study requirements.

💛 What will we do?

The core of Motions will be a swing between artmaking and body movement. These activities will inform and support each other and be underpinned by a structure to carry our exploration.   We’ll explore how we think and feel about ourselves, others and the world. We will have the opportunity to express our experiences, clarify our values and perspectives, and move toward preferred ways of being. On Saturday there will be activities that happen in pairs, and on Sunday there will be activities that happen as a group. There is the option to attend only one day, or the weekend entirely, however you wish to make and move together! Both days will involve self-paced and guided reflection, creativity and connection with others.

After you register, you’ll be invited to fill out a pre-attendance form. In the form you have the opportunity to tell me what you’d like to experience during the weekend. Your answers will shape the way I arrange our time together, so be as open as you’d like!

For example, interest in body movement and group work = more group movement activities.

🤎 Weekend Structure

The weekend will go as follows:

Saturday (Solo and Pairs) :
12:15 - Opening Activity: Introductions and Intentions - (25m)
12:40 - Art Making and Body Moving exploration 1- (1h 15m) *
1:55 - Lunch (light refreshments provided)- (45m)
2.40 - Art Making and Body Moving exploration 2 - (1h 15m) *

3:55 - Landing Activity/ Sharing - (20m)

4:15 - Day 1 Finish

Sunday (Pairs and Group) :
12:15 - Opening Activity: Reflections so far - (25m)
12:40 - Art Making and Body Moving exploration 1- (1h 15m) *
1:55 - Lunch (light refreshments provided) - (45m)
2.40 - Art Making and Body Moving exploration 2 - (1h 15m) *

3:55 - Landing Activity: Take-aways and farewell- (20m)

4:15 - Day 1 Finish

*These sessions will be shaped by your answers in the pre-attendance form

💜 Accessibility + Venue Information

About the space

The Community hall is located at 95 Major Road, Fawkner 3060. It is a large, high-ceiling space with many windows that catch natural light (northern and eastern).

The area is gated off and the entrance can be locked. The hall is situated on a fairly quiet suburban road and within walking distance of Bonwick Street’s amenities such as restaurants, cafes and grocers. The space includes a kitchenette equipped with sink, kettle, microwave, toaster and small fridge. There is split system heating/cooling and ceiling fans to control temperature.

Wheel access

The space is wheel accessible with a handrail at the entrance and otherwise minimal steps to enter.

Getting there

If you are driving, there is free on-street parking nearby.

If you are traveling by public transport :

• From Fawkner Station:

  Bus 531 (Upfield) - 1m ride + 5m walk.

  Bus 530(Campbellfield) - 18m ride + 4m walk.

• From Gowrie Station:

  Bus 527 (Northland SC) - 1m ride + 11m walk.

  Bus 530 (Glenroy) - 2m ride + 4m walk.

  Bus 531 (North Coburg) -1m ride + 5m walk.

There's more about the space here, but if you require more details or images of anything mentioned please reach out via email to mohamedch@fawknernh.org.au and include admin@fawknernh.org.au

💛 What to expect from it

Motions might support your imaginative expression and self-understanding through body movement, artmaking, discussion and opportunities for finding meaning in your experience of the world. The weekend offers you a chance to listen to and deepen within yourself. However Motions is not suitable as a primary source of support if you are experiencing mental or physiological health difficulties. I will ongoingly encourage your exploration to happen at your pace and on your terms.

In other words, this weekend is for you, and there’s no expectation to participate in any way that could cause discomfort.
ALL invitations are optional.

🤎 Notes about Safety + Agreement

I believe safety is something you get to decide when it feels right. I intend to create a space that is safe enough for you to make decisions about what you'd like to do. You are free to disengage or leave at any time. During the weekend its important we maintain respect for each other so trust and safety can emerge. I will support you to feel empowered to make choices about what's safe for you.

I am a student in a Creative Arts Therapy degree, and so my capability in supporting mental health comes mainly from this practice. If something comes up during the weekend that I deem to be beyond my scope, skill and/or experience level, or if you find things you’ve explored need deeper exploration with a therapist, psychologist or a similar professional, then FNH can refer you to services and resources that can help.

Please know that by attending Motions you agree to make a commitment to honoring yourself and others in the room with mutual respect and ongoing consent. There is no tolerance for prejudiced or abusive behaviour.

⭐For any further questions or curiosities please reach out via email to mohamedch@fawknernh.org.au and include admin@fawknernh.org.au .