Local art club brings creativity and connection to Southbank

A new community art group has taken shape in Southbank, bringing locals together through creativity, conversation and connection.

Led by Southbank resident Shilpi Jain, the Southbank Community Art Club began in 2024 with support from the City of Melbourne’s Connected Neighbourhoods program.

What started as a simple idea – to meet, talk and make art together – quickly grew into something more.

“We soon started looking forward to these sessions and got to know each other, sharing stories, advice and even TV recommendations,” Ms Jain said. “Art is a form of expression, but it’s also therapy and stress relief, and those aspects were just as valuable to the group.”

The club embraced a range of mediums, from paint and pencil to collage and lino printing. Members included complete beginners through to trained artists, each encouraged to try new techniques and experiment.

“Each person created something different even when given the same tools or prompts,” Ms Jain said. “It showed the diversity of expression we all bring.”

Living in the heart of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct, the group also ventured out to explore the city’s cultural offerings, visiting Buxton Contemporary, NGV, The Lume and exhibitions at Southgate. These outings provided inspiration and deepened members’ appreciation for the creative environment on their doorstep.

The program culminated in an exhibition at Southgate Gallery, showcasing works created throughout the year. For many, it was their first time seeing their own art displayed publicly – a milestone that Ms Jain described as both proud and humbling.

“It was exciting to see our works and stories displayed for all to see. It really showed how far we had come together.”

The Southbank Community Art Club has proven that creative practice is about more than just making art. It has become a platform for building friendships and strengthening local ties, whether for residents living alone, busy parents, or new migrants finding their place in the neighbourhood.

Ms Jain encouraged others with community ideas to apply for small grants through the City of Melbourne.

“This project really shows how art can bring people together,” she said. “I’d love to see more local initiatives grow in the same way.”

The exhibition remains on display at Southgate Gallery, Upper Level Southgate Centre. Locals are encouraged to drop in and see the works for themselves.