Start your 2021 with Council’s new free arts and culture workshops
Published 18 December 2020
Start your new year with a focus on wellbeing by participating in a new suite of creative and arts programs provided free by Council through the new Joy Connection program.
You can learn to sing a capella, brush up on your dance moves, use watercolours for relaxation or even greet the sunrise with a sand geometry meditation at no cost.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the launch of Joy Connection in January will be the perfect way to brush away 2020.
“This fantastic initiative from our amazing cultural services team complements the suite of free summer activities Council already has to offer from exhibitions and interactive workshops, to our Healthy and Active Moreton program,” he said.
“The Joy Connection program is a fun and safe way to ease into arts and culture for people of all ages and abilities looking to try something different.
“This year we’ve focussed on sport and recreation opportunities as an important remedy to the restrictions of COVID-19, now I’m proud to be offering a host of fun and interactive new cultural activities to stir the soul.
“This extends on the great work that our gallery, museum and library teams have been delivering all year, providing locals with interesting and exciting exhibitions, talks, workshops and events.”
Internationally acclaimed author and illustrator Meredith Gaston will be the face of the first Joy Connection program.
“I am delighted to be involved with Moreton Bay Regional Council, and to be beginning 2021 in a spirit of community, joy and inspiration,” she said.
“I am encouraged by the energy and initiatives cultivated by the Moreton Bay Regional Council Cultural Services Team for Joy Connection, and look forward to welcoming participants for watercolour and wellness workshops through the month of January.
“Exploring and expressing our creativity is essential for our complete wellbeing.
“As human beings we are innately creative, and with even just a little support and encouragement, we can surprise ourselves with the richness of our imaginations, and the cleverness of our hearts and hands.”
Meredith will feature in a panel discussion on arts and wellbeing at Caboolture Hub on January 23.
“What a coup it is to have someone of Meredith Gaston’s calibre lead the way for our very first Joy Connection program,” Mayor Flannery said.
“She will deliver amazing insights into arts, culture, reading, writing and wisdom on how your own wellbeing can benefit from all these elements.
“Along with the panel discussion on January 23 as part of Caboolture Hub’s Summer Family Fun Day, Meredith will feature in the Summer Studio at Caboolture Hub as well as facilitating three Watercolour for Wellness workshops.
“So I urge you all to get your 2021 off to the perfect start by signing up to one or many activities or workshops as part of the brand-new Joy Connection program.”
Bookings open on December 30 through Council’s website. Visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Arts-Culture-Heritage/Joy-Connection for more information.
Council’s 2020-21 Budget provides $19 million across libraries, arts and history.