How Curated is transforming dating in Canberra

Posted on 22 April, 2025

They’re the most popular way to meet new people, but as the ‘date’ goes out of dating apps, one local business is transforming the way people find connection in Canberra.

Founded and created by local graphic designer Vanessa Schimizzi, Curated is a new event series designed for like-minded singles that’s changing the dating scene in our city – or as she puts it, creating the one that people have been waiting for.

“I’ve been single for a fair amount of time now,” she says. “And I just see a gap in the market.”

“People are over the apps. People are getting disheartened, have lost hope in dating and love and I think there’s a way to change that.”

Motivated by her own frustrating dating encounters both online and face-to-face, Curated was born from Vanessa’s belief that shared experiences and physical activity are the best way to build trust and connection.

“Some of my most enjoyable experiences meeting new people have actually been in casual group settings like a pub crawl, cooking class, or wine tour while overseas. There’s something about those environments that takes the pressure off and helps people connect more naturally,” says Vanessa.

“That’s the kind of experience I’m trying to replicate here fun, relaxed, and focused on the activity, not forced or awkward small talk.”

Swapping swiping for cocktail making, speed dating for dinner parties and small talk for sunset cruises, she says that Curated events will avoid the traditional bar setting where many first dates take place.

“It’s not the right environment for people to thrive in, and it seems to me that it’s the only way that people can meet people at the moment,” she says.

Instead, Curated events will be age-specific, inclusive of all sexual orientations, and tailored to different needs.

“I’m thinking we start with doing events like cooking classes, dinner parties, cheese tasting, painting, pottery – different things that people love to do in a group environment. And there’s no pressure. Instead of just sitting one on one with someone for 30 minutes and making a quick judgement, people might feel more comfortable.”

Also creating specific events for neurodiverse individuals and those with disabilities – such as a meditation in the park or a picnic – Vanessa says that once the Curated community starts to grow, she’ll be open to whatever they’re interested in.

“As a small business owner myself, I’m really passionate about supporting other local businesses. Curated will be great for the Canberra community as we will collaborate with small businesses by running events together and creating opportunities for them to grow and connect,” she explains.

Vanessa Schimizzi. Stylist – @myvirtualstylist @rosiemckaystylist. Photographer – @davidhahn_photography.

With the launch event on Saturday 17 May, the Singles Sunset Sail will be the biggest Curated event on the calendar with 100 tickets available. Planning on holding more intimate gatherings in the future, Vanessa says she wanted to launch her new business with a bang, complete with icebreaker games, a photobooth, a gourmet charcuterie table, music and more.

But unlike other dating events, Vanessa says attendees are welcome to bring along a non-single friend for support, there will be stickers to clearly show who is interested in who and you won’t be able to ask for phone numbers.

“It’s really about respect and safety. I’ve also had guys tell me one of the things they like about dating apps is they don’t have to walk up to someone cold and risk rejection, there’s less pressure,” she says.

“There’s going to be interest cards…And if there’s a mutual match, I’m going to connect them the next day via WhatsApp.”

Excited to plan events that redefine dating by bringing back intention and thought, Vanessa is hoping to tackle the loneliness she says single people in Canberra experience – from helping them build friendships to maybe finding a special someone.

And yes, she will be participating herself.

“Too often organised dating feels very transactional,”  she says.

“And dating apps have made things so disposable – just swiping for the next, better option. Real connections take time and comfort, and that’s what this is really about, creating a space where that can actually happen.”