Illustration and writing have collaborated for a very long time. Not only does this connection continue through book and magazine illustration, but endures with creative processes and communities.
This year the Melbourne’s Writers Festival (MWF) is putting up a plethora of events. Workshops, seminars, panels… MWF caters to all kinds of creatives and provides a meeting point for emerging and established, Australian and International illustrators. View the full festival program here.
Here are our top picks from the program, including both illustration and art-specific events:
Illustrators in Residence.
See leading illustrators work live in these three-hour sessions in the Federation Square Atrium. There are 5 sessions, all are free with no bookings required. Find out more (including the featured illustrators) here.
Sessions:
Sat 26 August 12PM
Sun 27 August 12PM
Fri 1 September 1PM
Sat 2 September 12PM
Sun 3 September 1PM
For creatives…
Live Podcast: The Starving Artist (Sunday 27 August, 3PM).
Join Honor Eastly for a live recording of Starving Artist, the podcast that explores how to make money creatively. With guests Brodie Lancaster (No Way! Okay, Fine), Celeste Mountjoy (filthyratbag) and TextaQueen (pictured). This is a free event but bookings are required. Book or read up on this event here.
The Art of Life (Sunday 27 August, 4PM).
Why is art important to everyday life? Elizabeth Kostova (The Shadow Land) and winner of the 2017 Stella Prize, Heather Rose (The Museum of Modern Love) discuss the significance of art in their novels, as well as how the Balkan region informs their work.” Tickets are $22 full price, $19 concession. Find out more here.
Mapping Our Future City: Interactive Exhibition
Join us on a journey of discovery through a pop-up installation exploring the future of infrastructure, technology, arts, environment and lifestyles. This unique exhibition in the heart of Fed Square will be imaginative, visually striking and use technology to tell stories and excite imaginations, including a virtual reality experience exploring the construction of the Metro Tunnel. Come alone to share your ideas for a better tomorrow. This exhibition is free, open daily during the festival, and requires no bookings. Find out more here.
Want to make something?
Moleskin Coffee & Create (Sunday 27 August, 9.30am & Sunday September 3, 9.30am).
Start your day with a shot of caffeine and a dose of creativity! Join Madeleine Dore and special Festival guests as they reveal the tricks that help their creative lives flourish. Get the insight and inspiration you need to design your creative life – from journaling tips to sparking creativity. These sessions are free but bookings are required. Find out more here and here.
Workshop: The Patchwork Bike (Wednesday 30 August, 11.15am & Wednesday 3 September, 11.15am)
Learn about recycling, upcycling and environmental waste with bestselling author Maxine Beneba Clarke’s first children’s book, about a group of kids who get inventive and build a bike from scratch. Learn how to draw with illustrator Van T Rudd, who shares his work from the book.” Tickets are on sale now.
Looking for a wildcard or family event?
Session: Walks: Birds, Art, Life (Saturday September 2, 10am).
Join editor of Australian Birdlife Sean Dooley and bestselling author Kyo Maclear (Birds Art Life Death) for a bird walk. Discover local bird species and habitats, and learn how to apply the core lessons of birding to other aspects of creative life. Ticket price includes morning tea at the MWF Festival Club at ACMI at the conclusion of the walk. Tickets are $40 and available here.
Session: Smart Stories (Sunday 3 September, 11am).
Presented as part of ACMI’s Free Family Sundays, let the power of your imagination take you on a journey to a world of wonder. Hear from award-winning children’s authors and take part in fun storytelling sessions. This is a free event and no bookings are required. For more information, click here.
Workshop: Creative Journalling (Saturday 26 August, 11am).
Be inspired by Asphyxia’s creative art journals – then learn how to make your own! The creator of The Grimstones series will show you how to capture who you are on the page with a range of art supplies and materials in this hands-on workshop.
Suitable for ages 9 to 12 – find out more here.
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