Much of Will Small's work comes down to listening to peoples stories, and finding creative ways to honour and share those stories, to help build a kinder and more inclusive world. He shares his insights into using story in missional ways.
CAE23 is the National Community Arts Engagement Conference held in Melbourne Australia, for Musicians, Artists and Creatives (and those who want to connect with them). CAE23 is for those who want to engage missionally through the arts, music and creative practice.
The 2023 conference highlighted stories of Faith-Integrated Art Programs across Australia tinfused with the values of the Christian faith - like peace, love, justice, reconciliation and redemption.
Re-watch recorded sessions from the conference here.
Re-watch our engaging speakers and special guests who presented at the Community Arts Engagement Conference Creative Practice Sessions 2023.
Much of Will Small's work comes down to listening to peoples stories, and finding creative ways to honour and share those stories, to help build a kinder and more inclusive world. He shares his insights into using story in missional ways.
The power of music, especially singing, to unlock memories is an increasingly key feature of dementia care as it seems to access parts of the brain that remain unaffected by the progression of dementia. ‘Singing By Heart’ uses a mixture of secular and religious songs which span the decades. Every song within the resource is introduced by a relevant scripture verse and concluded with a prayer. The sessions are designed to encourage communication, recollection of memories, and fun for those taking part. It is also hoped carers will find the sessions beneficial through enabling time for them to relax, make friends and share experiences.
Shaw Coleman is a Berlin-based dancer who has spear headed The Limelight Collective - a group of creatives who use their artistic skills to encounter God and to make him known to others.
Ian Campbell and Alison Radar Campbell, from the UK Territory, bring a global engagement perspective through a methodology they call ‘S.A.L.T practice’ – home and neighbourhood team-based care and local community building. SALT practice catalyses trust and connection in community where people are cared for and participate in community building. Ian and Alison raised poignant questions and potential applications to arts-based community development in the Australian Context drawing on their extensive global experience outlined in their recent book ‘Walking With Communities’ available through The Salvation Army Supplies.
Anita O'Brien is the writer of “Because it’s Better” - a small powerful story about how her family have supported her son Warren to live his life in community. A story of listening to their son and being brave enough to change direction, this book is rich with practical details of how Warren, with assistance, has achieved his own home, jobs and a sense of belonging. Through the book Anita also weaves the story of her faith and church membership which are clearly her guiding force. Warren is a talented Melbourne-based artist who has carved a name for himself through his unique and expressive paintings.
Major Brad Watson is head of Community Engagement for The Salvation Army Australia and provides an introduction to the conference encouraging us to think beyond basic Community Engagement towards Community Participation.
Lindsay Cox - head of The Salvation Army Museum gives a presentation on early community engagement through the Limelight Department.
Major Bryce Davies - Stories of Hope Podcaster and Faith Communities Co-ordinator shares his Community Engagement Journey particularly more recently through various running groups.
Recorded before a live audience at the Salvos Creative Arts Engagement Conference in Melbourne, Julia works full time for the Salvos encouraging and nurturing the arts amongst our people. She has over 20 years experience in community theatre along with work experience in TV and Radio. She is a delightful person and shares her story beautifully.
Following a 10-year career in the performing arts, Ruby gained her master's degree in Creative Arts Therapies at the University of Melbourne, specialising in Drama Therapy. This was spurred by Ruby's experience and witnessing of the therapeutic potential held within creative expression, practice, and spaces, and a desire to support others on their mental health journeys. Accessibility, client-autonomy, and inclusion are key principles within Ruby's practice, with her work utilising a strengths-based and trauma-informed lens.
Though an established offering within mental health fields in the UK and US, along with other countries, the Creative Arts Therapies is an ever-growing sector here in Australia, with mounting research supporting exciting and evidence-based discoveries surrounding its efficacy and potency.
Major Matt Reeve - Head of Mission Support brings a word at the Community Arts Engagement Conference framing our Community Engagement through the Places where we engage, the spaces we create for engagement and the faces of people we engage with.
Engagement in local communities using creative arts programs - The privilege of sharing with people as they engage in creatively exploring who they are and where they can find a community to belong to.
The Community Specialist team shares a more in-depth look at the Community Connections Approach (CCA) for engaging communities.
Learn about the new Limelight Choir opportunity for Corp to create their own community choir program for adults.
Re-watch our guest speakers as they bring their insight into creative ways of engaging young people through the Just Brass Program.
Hear from our guest speakers with insightful teaching tips for tutors of the Just Brass Program.
Hear about some great digital and supplementary resources you can use as part of your Just Brass Program from our guest speakers.
Learn about the successful Just Brass program running at Balga Western Australia.
Hear from Major David Eldridge about aspects of the Just Brass Program beyond the delivery of the musical tuition as well as the open panel discussion.