Creative program bringing joy to Moreton Bay

Singing and dancing for joy, string finger art, painting, creative writing and even a cocktail workshop are among a swag of free activities available through an innovative new Moreton Bay Regional Council program.

The Joy Connection focuses on wellbeing, offering free and low-cost creative and arts programs throughout the region.

Participants can also learn to sing a capella, use watercolours for relaxation, create shadowbox art or greet the sunrise with a sand geometry meditation at no cost.

Mayor Peter Flannery says the launch of Joy Connection is the perfect way to brush away 2020.

“This fantastic initiative from our amazing cultural services team complements the suite of free summer activities Council already has to offer, from exhibitions and interactive workshops to our Healthy and Active Moreton program,” he says.

Try something new

“The Joy Connection program is a fun and safe way to ease into arts and culture for people of all ages and abilities looking to try something different.

Mayor Flannery says Council focussed on sport and recreation activities in 2020 as a remedy to the restrictions of COVID-19, and is now adding fun and interactive cultural activities to stir the soul to its programs.

“This extends on the great work that our gallery, museum and library teams have been delivering, providing locals with interesting and exciting exhibitions, talks, workshops and events.”

Joy and inspiration

Internationally acclaimed author and illustrator Meredith Gaston will be the face of the first Joy Connection program.

“I am delighted to be involved with Moreton Bay City Council, and to be beginning 2021 in a spirit of community, joy and inspiration,” Meredith says.

“I am encouraged by the energy and initiatives cultivated by the Moreton Bay Regional Council Cultural Services Team for Joy Connection, and look forward to welcoming participants for watercolour and wellness workshops through January.”

Meredith says exploring and expressing creativity is essential for complete wellbeing.

Surprise yourself

“As human beings we are innately creative, and with even just a little support and encouragement, we can surprise ourselves with the richness of our imaginations, and the cleverness of our hearts and hands.”

Meredith will feature in a panel discussion on arts and wellbeing at Caboolture Hub on January 23.

“What a coup it is to have someone of Meredith Gaston’s calibre lead the way for our very first Joy Connection program,” Mayor Flannery says.

“She will deliver amazing insights into arts, culture, reading, writing and wisdom on how your own wellbeing can benefit from all these elements.

Panel discussion

“Along with the panel discussion on January 23 as part of Caboolture Hub’s Summer Family Fun Day, Meredith will feature in the Summer Studio at Caboolture Hub as well as facilitating three Watercolour for Wellness workshops.”

Bookings for Joy Connection activities can be made here.

Find more arts and culture news here.