Artist: Dinithi Samarawickrama
Join us as we explore object and adornment as a conduit for reclaiming and honouring our complex identities and ancestries. Learn how to build protective beaded and painted ornaments through explorations of symbolism, pattern and colour, working within a collaborative space in which the power of gift giving is honoured.
This workshop is intended to facilitate a dialogue about cultural and gender identity and its varying expressions, through the creation of protective adornments.
Dinithi De Alwis Samarawickrama is a Sri-Lankan born artist and maker, living and working on Wurundjeri land in so called Australia. Dinithi views art as a form of spell making in which jewellery and ornaments are a form of protection and guide.
This event is for LGBTQIA+ and questioning young people aged 16 to 25 years old.
It is an entry-level workshop, so no experience is needed, and all materials will be provided.
Light snacks will be available.
Image credit: Dinithi Samarawickrama
Age: 16 to 25 years
Please ensure you are within this age range.
Accessibility (including allergies)
Signal has two main event spaces. One is on the ground floor with step-free access, and one is on the first floor with both a staircase and a lift. There will be a quiet space available on the day. There may be background music, which can be turned down or off on request, and the lights are dimmable.
Some events might also use the outdoor area for activities or breaks. The concrete ground is mostly even, with a raised platform/bench on one side and a walkway on the other. There's no shade for most of the day. We can bring out additional chairs. Signal is located between a train line and the Yarra river, and there's significant background noise when trains are going past.
If you have any questions about accessibility or want to share anything about your access needs (including allergies) beforehand, please email
signal@melbourne.vic.gov.au or call 03 9658 7808.
For more detail, please see the
Access Key.
What to expect
Getting to SIGNAL: Train - Flinders Street Station. Tram - 58 to stop #1 (Flinders St/Queens Bridge St) or 19, 57, 59 to stop #1 (Flinders Street Railway Station/Elizabeth St) or any Swanston Street tram to stop #13 (Federation Square). For a visual guide, please see the
Access Key.
Please note: There is a water tap, fridge, kettle & microwave that you are welcome to use. If you bring food into the building, we request that it is nut-free.
Arriving: The front door will open at 12:45pm. A staff member with a lanyard will be in the foyer to greet you and tick you off the Doorlist, as well as show you where the kitchen and bathrooms are. They will then direct you to the workshop space.
In the workshop space: The artist and another staff member will be in the space to greet you. You will be able to take a seat while other participants arrive. The workshop will start when most people have arrived, or at the latest 1:10pm. The staff member will then do a general welcome and explain some information specific to the workshop, before introducing the artist.
Read our
COVID-19 update.