Need motivation to leave the house this winter? Warm up with You Are Here’s new creative workshops
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Meet the new local creative organisation aiming to bring Canberrans out of their homes and back into the city night life with a cosy twist.
Let’s be honest; as we plunge further into winter, our desire to go out at night drops with the temperature. Starting on Tuesday 24 June, You Are Here is launching a pilot series of artist-led workshops and performances that offer a comfortable and inclusive environment to create and share art.
Since 2011, You Are Here has provided a safe platform for emerging artists to create, experiment, and share their work within the Canberra creative space. As the recipients of the 2026 ACT Visa Vibe grant, they hope to build community while providing paid opportunities for local artists.
With loneliness amongst young people increasing, You Are Here hopes to facilitate a much-needed third space.
Creative Director & CEO Ketura Budd explains some of the social barriers that Canberrans face:
“In my later 20s, I felt very isolated and found it very difficult to meet people or break into friendship circles,” they say.
“I knew there were people in this city, but where were they? Everyone feels a little bit tucked away a lot of the time.”
The workshops will offer a chance for attendees to form new connections and socialise with like-minded people in a low-pressure environment.
“You’re making and learning a new skill, and you get to bond over that,” explains Ketura.
There’s no need to dress to impress either; you can wear whatever you’re cosy in, and even sit in your ugg boots and track pants if you’d like to.
“That’s quite unique in the CBD, to have a place where you can feel comfortable and relaxed,” Ketura says.
You Are Here is an alcohol-free space, so there’s also no pressure to drink or spend additional money. With an increase in young people choosing sobriety, this offers a safe space for everyone to enjoy themselves.
Each workshop is a three-part series where participants work on niche craft projects over three weeks. Some of the upcoming workshops you can book are Flip-Flappin’ Bird Puppets, Monshter Plushies, Material Resonance, and Hosting an Underground Community Radio Show. The workshops are led by artists who are experts in creating fun and engaging experiences for participants.
The workshops run on a tiered-ticketing model, with workshops starting at $30 per session for under-30s. They also offer a pay-what-you-can model, so it can remain accessible and affordable for everyone.
Attendees will also get a chance to showcase their creations at the open day on Saturday 1 August!
You Are Here is not just offering a safe space for participants to express themselves. As an organisation that is founded on supporting Canberra-based creatives, they want to be the ones to say ‘Yes’ to experimental and out-of-the-box ideas.
Ketura says that You Are Here serves as a solution to financial and accessibility barriers that artists face.
“The things that artists talk about needing all the time is just space. There are some spaces in Canberra, but sometimes there’s a barrier to artists accessing them. For example, a lot of the studios that do exist in Canberra have quite big wait lists, because there’s a little bit more demand than supply for that kind of thing,” they explain.
“We’re trying to provide that space for things that don’t fit neatly anywhere else and the weird and wacky and wonderful things that artists come up with.”
Sometimes, all emerging artists need is a safe space to take creative risks that are backed by community support. As a non-profit organisation, You Are Here hopes to provide paid opportunities for artists, so they don’t feel like they have to leave Canberra for sustainable and rewarding careers in bigger cities.
“In general, working in the arts is so hard. You apply for so many opportunities and grants, and you live in this state of constant rejection, so having people in your corner who are actually just saying, ‘No, your work is important and your voice is important’ seems like a really simple thing to be able to provide. But there’s not a lot of that being provided elsewhere.”
Are you an emerging artist looking for support or a collaborative space? The You Are Here Club provides personalised support for your creative needs, such as planning a big project or offering advice and resources. Email producers@youareherecanberra.com.au for enquiries.
Whether you’re looking for something different to try, an excuse to get out of the house, creative guidance, or some social connection, You Are Here is a warm and inclusive space for everyone.
Feature image supplied.
