15 Years - 15 Stories of Belonging: Made @ The Place
Finding Connection Through Creativity
For 15 years, The Place has been creating opportunities for people to connect, belong, and thrive. One of the many stories that reflects this commitment is Made @ The Place, a creative arts program that empowered young people to discover their voice, build confidence, and form meaningful connections through art.
Proudly funded by the NSW Government, Made @ The Place ran from 2023 to 2025, providing a welcoming and inclusive space for young people aged 12–24 to explore their creativity in a supportive community environment. More than an arts program, it became a place where friendships were formed, confidence grew, and young people found a sense of belonging.
Through hands-on workshops led by professional local artists, participants explored a range of creative mediums and techniques including watercolour landscapes, still life, upcycled fabrics and textiles, pop art, lino printing, mixed media, and street art. Each session encouraged self-expression, collaboration, and personal growth while creating opportunities for young people to connect with others.
The impact of the program extended far beyond the artwork created. From July 2024 to June 2025 alone, 164 young people participated across 10 workshops, with an average attendance rate of 90 percent. Every participant reported enjoying their experience, and 92 percent said they would return or recommend the program to others.
What made Made @ The Place truly special was its ability to bring together young people from diverse backgrounds. The program welcomed returning participants alongside first-time attendees, including home-schooled students, young people with disability, and those seeking opportunities for social connection.
For many participants, the program helped address feelings of isolation. Survey responses showed a remarkable 101 percent increase in reported friendships formed throughout the program. Young people shared that attending workshops gave them “something fun to do,” “a challenge,” and “a reason to get out of the house,” contributing to improved wellbeing and a stronger sense of belonging.
The voices of participants tell the story best:
“I liked that we were able to make friends and eat food.” – Eva, 12
“It was calming and relaxing.” – Lucy, 13
“Got to try something new and get out of the house.” – Participant, 15
“It is very engaging and fun.” – Anthony, 12
A highlight of the program was the opportunity for participants to showcase their work through two community exhibitions. In December 2024, the second Made @ The Place Exhibition marked a significant milestone, bringing together students, families, friends, and community members to celebrate two years of creative achievement.
With nearly 80 people attending, many young artists experienced the pride of seeing their work professionally displayed for the very first time. The exhibition was more than a celebration of artistic talent—it was a celebration of courage, growth, and community support. It provided a powerful reminder that when young people are given opportunities to express themselves and be seen, their confidence and sense of self can flourish.
Feedback from participants and parents reflected deep appreciation for the welcoming environment created by the artists and program team. Many young people expressed a desire to continue creating art at home or pursue further studies, demonstrating the lasting influence the program had on their aspirations and confidence.
Made @ The Place showed how creativity can be a pathway to connection, wellbeing, and community engagement. Through art, young people discovered new skills, built lasting friendships, and found a place where they felt valued and supported.
As we celebrate 15 years of belonging, Made @ The Place stands as a powerful example of what happens when young people are given the space to create, connect, and thrive. The artworks may have been the visible outcome, but the real legacy is the confidence, friendships, and sense of community that will continue long after the final exhibition closed its doors.
