The Burrinja Arties are a group of local people mostly living in supported residential accommodation who meet weekly with Creative Arts therapist Lynette Forrest to produce unique artworks that tell their story. The program is designed to help expand social support for those who are ‘at risk of homelessness’.

These sessions are the highlight of the artists’ week and their annual exhibition gives the group and the works they create visibility and recognition in the community. It is an arts-based skills and learning program with an emphasis on active cultural participation that enriches understandings of community and culture, while teaching art techniques and socialisation skills.

This year the Arties have tackled the concept of ‘A Whisper and Flutter, and the Butterfly Effect. This has been through both performance and visual art making and exhibiting. The ‘Butterfly Ball’ was a full participatory event held in July 2015 with the Arties hosting many others with songs, performances, dance and most of all, fun! From there, they continued to work with mentor artists toward their exhibition 'A Whisper and a Flutter' in October 2015.


A feature article on the Arties in the Foothills publication clearly made the connection between this program and positive outcomes for mental well-being. The program ‘challenges the participants to take positive risks by trying new activities, learning with artist mentors, exhibiting, performing, and more!
- LYNETTE FORREST | Creative Arts Therapist

Program Funding provided by the Department of Health.