Darebin’s FUSE returns for an unforgettable one-day festival event of music, dancing, and celebration on Saturday 23 March. The Meet the Makers Picnic is an immersive family-friendly gathering designed for everyone to enjoy.
Kid’s entertainment includes imaginative pop-up play spaces provided by Victoria University's early childhood program, crafted to engage and entertain the little ones, providing a joyful environment for exploration and play.
Celebrating Darebin’s First Nations communities, families are warmly invited to join Aunty Brenda Fahey of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, for fabulous stories and free craft activities showcasing Indigenous culture. Auntie's Aboriginal Cultural Experience features hands-on activities such as gum nut painting, dot painting on face and rocks, leaf painting, ochre painting, storytelling, emu feathers and necklaces, macramé and a range of activities.
Victoria University early childhood pre-service teachers are hosting free pop-up play spaces as part of an innovative placement program. The free play spaces are based on the practice of Playwork in which children are empowered to engage, create, imagine, and explore by moving a variety of ‘loose parts,’ such as recycled cardboard and fabrics, for their own reasons and in their own time. In this interactive experience children have the freedom to use their imaginations and be creative with a range of materials. The pieces can be moved, manipulated, and connected to form endless possibilities.
Special prizes are available for youth entries, who can enter into prize produce categories of passata, pickled vegetables, preserved olives, ajvar, various preserves or sourdough bread. Local school communities are invited to participate and welcome young people to share their creations in this community minded event.
A prayer tent and sensory tent will also be available, supported by Council’s Family Youth and Children Services staff. The sensory tent is available for children and families to access relaxing time out or to reduce environmental stimulation.
Bundoora Homestead Art Centre is the public art gallery for Darebin and the home of visual arts in the municipality. The Gallery always welcomes families, with regular children's programs including a Playgroup and Under 5s, booking and term dates available on their website. They also offer a drawing nook and family bookshelf, children’s books, and colouring sheets upon request in the cafe, which has a kid friendly menu which will be available during Meet the Makers Picnic.
FUSE is the much-loved contemporary, multi-arts festival presented by the City of Darebin that turns the community into a stage for local artists and entertainers to highlight their innovative and rich artistic skills. FUSE highlights the rich variety of talent that defines the Darebin cultural landscape and engages with Darebin Council’s principles of diversity and inclusion.
FUSE Meet the Makers Picnic - March 23
Date: 23 March, 12pm – 6pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Bundoora Homestead Arts Centre - 7 Prospect Hill Dr, Bundoora
Accessibility: Wheelchair access, AUSLAN Interpreted, Accessible Toilets and Changing Rooms and Gender Neutral Toilets.