Finally, something for those that get art and those that don't
It might surprise you, but Creative Australia reports that 97% of Australians engage with creativity every day. Creativity isn't limited to galleries or stages - it's part of daily life. From the mug crafted by a local potter to the graphics designed for the websites we scroll, to the books shaped by an author's imagination, creativity influences the way we live, work and connect.
Creativity is all around us - sometimes quiet but always shaping our everyday experiences.
Now you can immerse yourself on purpose.
This March, the Forge Theatre will become a shared creative space as IMMERSIVE takes over the venue for a month-long program of making, sharing and experimentation.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the program reflects Council's commitment to nurturing creativity across the region.
"I'm proud to see creativity thriving across East Gippsland through initiatives like IMMERSIVE," Cr Ashworth said.
"Programs like this open the doors of spaces such as the Forge Theatre and invite our community to create, collaborate, and explore new ideas together.
"East Gippsland is full of creative people and bold ideas.
"Through the introduction of exciting programs such as this, we're working to make it easier for people to create locally, connect with one another and build a vibrant, inclusive artistic future for our shire."
Across the month, the program includes:
- PaxArt: Love where you live
Exhibition launch, artist tour and live jazz trio: Sunday, 1 March, 5.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Watercolour and pastel workshops - (disability, kids and adults): Wednesday, 4 March
- Wattle House Showcase: loading dock takeover
Experimental and Spoken Word Busking Festival: Saturday, 14 March, 2.00 pm - 7.00 pm
- Serendipity Music Events presents: Live, local, and original
Local artists, original songs, a first for the Forge Theatre: Sunday, 15 March, 2.30 pm - 5.00 pm
- Wilderness Coast Artists INC: Water dragon, a collaborative painting
Take part in this collaborative artwork: Monday, 16 - Friday 20, March: 10.00 am - 3.00 pm
- East Gippsland Brass presents: An evening of truly original, creative music
20+ piece brass band playing purely originally composed music: Friday, 20 March, 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm
- Heroes of The Forge: Live and interactive dungeons and dragons
Join the game, follow the adventure, and embrace the chaos: Saturday, 21 March, 2.00 pm - 6.00 pm
- Wacky Wombat Entertainment presents: Cooking up a sunny day
Think you are bad at cooking? What happens when an impulsive juggler enters the kitchen?: Sunday, 22 March, 10.00 am - 11.00 am
- Perfume of Word: Poetry readings and performances
Ponder the beautiful, curious thoughts poetry brings up in our hearts: Friday, 27 March, 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm
Who it's for? IMMERSIVE welcomes:
- Artists, musicians, performers, makers and creatives of all kinds
- Community members curious to see creativity in action
- Anyone interested in how ideas are developed, tested and shared
- Those simply looking for a welcoming space - to have a cup of tea, charge a phone or co-work alongside creative thinking
Throughout the month, the doors of the Forge Theatre will remain open, inviting people to step inside, observe, participate, and discover something new.
Why IMMERSIVE?
IMMERSIVE reimagines how a venue can be used. Rather than presenting a finished product, the Forge becomes a space shaped by the people within it while prioritising process, connection and experimentation.
The program also forms part of the lead-up to East Gippsland's first Creative Summit in the final week of March, building momentum, ideas and collaboration across the region.
For program details and updates, visit: eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/leisure/whats-on-and-buy-tickets
