GROUP WORKSHOPs

Date: Saturday, 22nd March 2025

Time: 10am – 12pm

Location: MIECAT, 374 George St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Join Creative Arts Therapist, Su Mei Tan, with co-facilitators, Diego Fajardo, and Julia Neubauer from Art Tearapy who bring this unique opportunity to engage with concepts and participatory tools for transformation from Theatre of The Oppressed. The Theatre of the Oppressed is a participatory theatre that fosters democratic and cooperative forms of interaction among participants and invites people to become “spect-actors,” capable of taking action and using theatre as a rehearsal space for social transformation. The Theatre of the Oppressed is part of the lifetime work of Brazilian theatre practitioner Augusto Boal. 

This experiential workshop explores the role of play in relational experiences and social engagement, as well as fostering self-awareness and collective action through Boal-inspired embodied activities. It will integrate a wide variety of games, exercises, and theatrical tools that promote and invite transformation from a passive to an active stance, nurturing self-discovery, community action and re-connection with the body. Such practices are designed to be accessible to everyone without requiring previous performing experience, therefore, this inclusivity is rooted in the dual meaning of ‘act’ in Boal’s work: to perform and to take action, which is considered the heart of his work.  

This workshop is crafted for therapeutic arts practitioners, students, artists and theatre makers, allied health professionals, and anyone interested in embodied practices and social transformation.

What to Expect
• Relational games and connection: interact and discover the power of connection and collective actions in the exploration and transformation journey.
• Experiential exploration: experiment with yourself on the potential and positive impact Boal’s ideas and techniques might have on everyday life.
• Playful embodiment: you will be invited to experiment with embodiment on your rhythm through games and exercises.
• Creative reflection: consider and reflect on your experience in a creative way that suits you and contributes to meaningfully symbolising your discoveries

A Certificate of Attendance will be issued after the workshop

Materials:

The workshop will involve embodied movement (note: this might include movement such as walking, lying down or intentional actions with others. This workshop does NOT involve dance, choreography or any performative action). 

To Bring:

Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a journal, pen and hydration. (All other materials will be supplied).

About the Facilitators:

Art Tearapy is a social enterprise dedicated to fostering healing, resilience, and community empowerment through creative arts therapy. With a focus on supporting migrants, refugees, First Nations people, and marginalized communities, Art Tearapy integrates art, movement, performance, and tea rituals to create trauma-informed and culturally affirming spaces for self-expression and well-being. Su Mei Tan, Diego Fajardo, and Julia Neubauer are part of the team working to cultivate a nurturing environment where individuals can explore creativity, process experiences, and reconnect with their inner strength.

Date: Saturday, 29th March 2025

Time: 10am – 12pm 

Location: Artful Yoga Gallery, 1 Vale Street, St Kilda 3182

Would you enjoy a nourishing morning of self-expression, mindfulness and connection?

Join us for a 2-hour immersive workshop exploring themes of belonging, roots, and home through creativity and ritual.

The Art of Belonging: Connect to Your Roots With Creativity and Ritual

The Art of Belonging is a creative and therapeutic space designed to celebrate identity, culture, and connection—catered, but not exclusively, to Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and individuals who navigate multiple cultural influences.

Third Culture Kids (TCKs) are individuals who have grown up in a blend of cultural environments—whether due to migration, expat life, international schooling, or diverse family backgrounds. They often develop a unique and fluid sense of identity, shaped by multiple cultural influences, which fosters adaptability, resilience, and a deep appreciation for diversity. While they may not fit neatly into one singular culture, their experiences offer them a rich, multifaceted perspective on the world.

Through expressive arts, storytelling, and reflective practices, The Art of Belonging provides an uplifting and affirming space to explore what home and identity mean in a personal and creative way. It embraces the beauty of multicultural experiences, allowing participants to connect with their own narratives, express their authentic selves, and build a sense of belonging that feels true to them. Open to anyone curious about identity and self-expression, this experience invites participants to celebrate their journeys and weave together their unique cultural tapestry with creativity and confidence.

What to expect:

🌿 Welcome with tea – A warm introduction with poetry, storytelling, and tea
🌱 Mindfulness & regulation – A guided meditation followed by grounding practices to support your nervous system
🎨 Creative artmaking – Explore your relationship with home and belonging through a guided creative activity
🤝 Community sharing – Share your experiences and insights in a closing circle

*Please note that this workshop will explore themes around belonging that could be emotionally activating. We will emphasize both self and community care and provide grounding practices to support your experience. There will be a fully qualified and registered Arts Therapist, who is a trained mental health professional on board. 

All materials will be provided.

No creative skill or experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome.

About the Facilitators:

Art Tearapy is a social enterprise dedicated to fostering healing, resilience, and community empowerment through creative arts therapy. With a focus on supporting migrants, refugees, First Nations people, and marginalized communities, Art Tearapy integrates art, movement, performance, and tea rituals to create trauma-informed and culturally affirming spaces for self-expression and well-being. Su Mei Tan, Diego Fajardo, and Julia Neubauer are part of the team working to cultivate a nurturing environment where individuals can explore creativity, process experiences, and reconnect with their inner strength.

​Facilitator: Mien Tan

Date / Time: UPON BOOKING ONLY

Location: Footscray, Hawthorn or at your own venue 

Join us for a calming and rejuvenating tea meditation ceremony at Su Mei’s Tea abode. Take a break from your busy schedule and immerse yourself in the peaceful practice of tea meditation. Connect with yourself and others in a serene setting, while savoring the flavors of different teas. This event is perfect for anyone looking to relax and unwind. Come experience the soothing power of tea meditation with us!

​Facilitator: Su Mei Tan 

Date / Time: UPON BOOKING ONLY

Location: Hawthorn, Footscray, Kuala Lumpur or ONLINE – Zoom

Welcome to our Introduction to Creative Arts Therapy Workshop, designed for individuals aspiring to become creative arts therapists, as well as those interested in experiencing the therapeutic benefits of art. This workshop offers a comprehensive overview of art therapy, blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on creative exercises to foster understanding and personal growth.

Whether you are considering a career in art therapy or are curious about its potential benefits for your own well-being, this workshop offers a rich and inspiring introduction to the field. Join us to unlock the healing power of creativity and discover the transformative potential of the creative arts as a form of therapy.

​Facilitator: Su Mei Tan