Step Back from the Data - Creative Thinking Group Workshop

Novel timeout to unleash creativity for a sustainability challenge


Mel Barry

Mel Barry

3 hours Class size 25 to 200 guests     $115

Sydney
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Experiences
* For any mix of teams and stakeholders, this is an opportunity to take time out for the bigger picture, to help gain fresh perspectives on an environmental or community-based conundrum. Suitable for professional or social teams, and other adult groups *
This workshop is a lighter way for any group to indirectly reflect on one sustainability-related challenge. It offers individual and collective time and space away from the day-to-day pressures, to tune in to creative expression inspired by nature appreciation. Taking time out to reflect on innate creativity and nature connection, in any format, can help to alter our pace and foster a personal breakthrough. Likewise, creative pursuits help to spark self-improvement, original ideas, or innovation. The output might surprise you.
The experience is suitable for all backgrounds, and ideal for those who feel they are not very creative but willing to take creative steps in a non-competitive environment. Various creative modes and styles are encouraged, solo and collaborative.
Perhaps host this as a staff wellbeing session, client event, or a team social for immediate colleagues or any mix of departments. The structure is adaptable.
Past participants have described their experience as freeing, exciting, relaxing, challenging, fun, empowering, and a creative stretch.
"The creative fun of Mel's workshop got my subconscious rummaging around a favourite attic in the back of my mind. It inspired me to write a brief to inject playfulness into a current work project, which also led to a valuable reconnection with a former colleague". Dr Ken Hudson, PhD Organisational Creativity.
Class outline:
Main session (min. 2 hours)
The first part is a warm-up, involving a number of short tasks to help get you into a creative mode. You will experiment with broad creative expression concepts and broad nature connection themes. An eclectic mix of arts and crafts materials (additional cost) will provide inspiration. The second part is more self-guided and contemplative, during which you can continue experimenting or develop a concept further. Go at your own pace, or perhaps collaborate if someone has a similar creative interest.
Following the main session:
At the conclusion of the main session opt to continue working on your mini creation, or mingle with others to chat about the concepts created. There is a good-size kitchen within the main workshop room, plus a kitchenette with comfy seating just outside the main room. Alcohol is not permitted anywhere at this venue.
Other details: The entrance to Building 15 is from Harris Street and the workshop room is fully accessible. The experience is entirely indoors, but at your request can be adapted to include weather-dependent outdoor tasks nearby. In keeping with the timeout theme, everyone will be asked to switch off phones and other devices.
Note before booking: Please do not contact the venue. Please first email Mel Barry to arrange a Pre-Booking Meeting at UTSS Building 15. If reasonable adjustments are required please include a short request in your email. Those that can be accommodated will be confirmed by Mel via email following the Pre-Booking Meeting.
If your group is larger than 25 participants: Please email Mel to discuss the room layout, and whether you might prefer to book a venue elsewhere. Depending on your group size, at UTSS Building 15 you may need to make two bookings for the same date. Mel's time and travel costs related to a venue other than UTSS Building 15 may be charged in addition to the per-head price.

Knowledge required
No experience required. This is a general creative expression and general nature appreciation session for beginners. Mel is neither art teacher nor art therapist.
 
What you'll get
Take your creations with you. If your organisation would like to exhibit the workshop output please ask me about curation options.
The per-head price also includes:
  • Flexible hours, within reason, to suit your preferred timing and location. Mel's indicative availability herein is subject to change from week to week.
  • One 30 minutes Pre-Booking Meeting at UTSS Building 15 with Mel Barry, to be attended prior to making your workshop booking;
  • One planning meeting - online or by phone - for up to an hour, after your workshop booking is confirmed and your payment is received in full;
  • Up to three hours total for workshop set-up and clean-up.
EXCLUDED:
  • Arts and crafts materials. After your workshop booking is confirmed and your payment received in full, you'll receive a list of suggested materials to source and purchase, and bring with you two hours prior to the start time.
  • Storage before and after the booking times;
  • Access to UTSS Building 15 before and after the booking times (apart from Pre-Booking Meeting mentioned above).
What to bring
Perhaps an apron to protect your clothes, thin gloves, and a mask.
 
Location

UTS Startups. Building 15 (CB15). - 15/622-632 Harris St, Ultimo NSW

This venue is within walking distance from Central station (700m).

Your teacher can also travel within 25 kms of Ultimo, to a venue of your choice for a private class

Step Back from the Data - Creative Thinking Group Workshop location
Your teacher

Mel Barry
Mel Barry

female Women-owned

* Give me a tight brief about your environmental or community-related conundrum and I’ll give you a creativity workshop for your internal/external stakeholders *
I love facilitating novel ways for organisations and individuals to seek fresh perspectives. A creative breakthrough is powerful, and creative pursuits can help to spark self-improvement, original ideas, or innovation.
Mostly self-taught, with some formal training as a creativity facilitator in England, since 2012 I have delivered many hundreds of hours of adult creative expression sessions for a range of public and private organisations, festivals, and community groups in London and Sydney.
FOUNDER OF ART HUT IN LONDON'S BATTERSEA PARK
I enjoyed a five year Art Hut collaboration with a therapeutic gardening charity serving the London public. In their delightful English garden, I delivered nature-inspired public exhibitions and creativity workshops for individuals, pairs, and groups.
As an Independent Curator in London, I have produced many public exhibitions showcasing professional and aspiring artists alike. All of my curations have featured collaborative workshops with artists across sculpture, painting, drawing, cartooning, printmaking, dance, and poetry, and partnerships with charities, youth clubs, schools, public gardens, community centres, public venues, residential networks, and festival organisers.
COLLABORATIVE CREATIVE
Delivering creativity workshops is one of a number of ways that I practise and stretch my collaborative approach to my artistic expression and curiosity. I am a Collaborative Creative. I find inspiration through making conceptual art, dancing, observing wildlife and bird song, walking in green and blue spaces, music, singing, theatre, and political and societal observations.
SUSTAINABILILTY PROFESSIONAL
I offer a range of sustainability soft skills across external communications, engagement, and creativity. Since 1998, my sustainability career has focused on environmental and community-based initiatives in Australia and Europe.
2025-01-03 15:00:00
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