Stories of Places Workshop Series | Visible Queer Neighbourhoods

🌈 Stories of Places Workshop Series | Visible Queer Neighbourhoods

As part of Visible Queer Neighbourhoods (VQN), we are bringing together queer international students, migrants and allies to explore our experiences of identity, culture, belonging, community and place through creative storytelling.

Across five workshops, we’ll create a welcoming space to share experiences, memories and ideas about the places where we live, study, work, socialise and connect.

You don’t need to be an artist or an experienced storyteller to participate. You can contribute through talking, writing, drawing, making, listening, reflecting or simply being part of the conversation. 💚

🎨 What will we explore?

Together, we’ll explore:

🌏 Culture, identity and lived experiences
🏳️‍🌈 Belonging and community connection
🏘️ Places where we feel welcome, safe and connected
💭 Memories and experiences of neighbourhoods
♿ Accessibility and inclusion
✨ Ideas for creating neighbourhoods where more people can feel they belong

The workshops will use different creative and participatory approaches, which may include paper crafts, drawing, collage, zines, movement, craft and group conversations.

The stories and ideas developed

🎨 Meet the facilitator: Jina He

The workshops will be facilitated by Jingwen (Jina) He, an architect and visual artist whose practice includes public art, participatory art and placemaking.

Jina will guide participants through creative activities and conversations that explore how our identities, memories and lived experiences shape our relationships with neighbourhoods and the places around us.

No previous creative experience is needed. The focus is on sharing ideas, exploring experiences and creating together in a welcoming environment.

📅 Upcoming Workshop Dates

Join us for the Stories of Places Workshop Series as we explore identity, culture, belonging and connection through creative storytelling.

2026 Workshops

📍 Thursday, 15 October 2026
📍 Thursday, 5 November 2026
📍 Thursday, 3 December 2026

Location: Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre, Carlton.

2027 Workshops

📍 Thursday, 18 February 2027
Stories of Places Workshop #4

📍 Thursday, 4 March 2027
Stories of Places Workshop #5

📍 Thursday, 6 May 2027
Capacity Building Workshop (placemaking)

Further dates and details will be shared as arrangements are confirmed.

🏘️ Visible Queer Neighbourhood Installation

Thursday, 27 May 2027

A collaborative installation celebrating community stories, lived experiences and ideas about neighbourhoods where more people can feel welcome, included and connected.

Location: City of Melbourne libraries. Venue to be confirmed.

🎉 Visible Queer Neighbourhoods Public Launch

Thursday, 3 June 2027

Join us to celebrate the project, the stories shared by the community and our collective vision for more inclusive neighbourhoods.

Venue and further details to be confirmed.

Please note that some dates, venues and activity details are still being finalised.

You can join one workshop or participate across the series. Joining multiple sessions is encouraged, as the workshops will build on the ideas, stories and creative work developed together.

💚 For Who

Queer international students, migrants and allies

No previous creative experiences or advanced English needed. We welcome people with different backgrounds, experiences, confidence levels and ways of expressing themselves.

Come along to create, share, listen and connect in a way that feels comfortable for you. 🌈

Accessibility and communication

We want everyone to feel welcome, included and able to participate in a way that works for them.

If there are ways we can make the workshops more accessible or support different communication needs, please let us know when you register or contact us at natasha.lourenco@ourpoint3.org. We’d be happy to work with you to make the experience as accessible and comfortable as possible. 💚

Free

🌏 Acknowledgement

Presented by: Our Point 3

Supported by: Supported by: City of Melbourne, City of Melbourne Libraries, Feifei Curiosity