Community Arts
What grows when we create together?
Alongside my solo practice, I’ve spent decades working collaboratively — leading, facilitating, and dreaming up visual and performing arts projects with communities across many walks of life.
I’ve worked with people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, older adults, domestic violence support groups, and inclusive arts collectives. Collaborations include projects with Milk Crate Theatre, Beyond the Square, Sydney Street Choir, Ability Options, Sunnyfield Diasability and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, among others.
At the heart of it all is this:
I seek connection.
I adore storytelling — not only my own, but helping others find and tell theirs.
I shine brightest when I’m helping someone else shine.
Coming Soon
Leaning In
A community storytelling and creative photography project
Leaning in to listen
To see
To be heard
Leaning in to support
To be supported
Leaning in to share
To reflect
To rebuild
To remember
Leaning in to our stories
Leaning In offers a space to reflect, remember, connect and celebrate. At its heart, it’s a creative response to the resilience and spirit of our community.
If you’re curious, come along. If you’ve got a story, we want to hear it.
If you think you’re not creative – we’ll prove you wrong (gently).
Leaning In is a eight-week creative community project led by local interdisciplinary artist and licensed wildlife carer Kay Armstrong, whose award-winning practice spans performance, storytelling, and visual art.
This free project invites people of all ages and backgrounds from across the Mid North Coast region to come together, share stories, explore creativity, and reflect on our lives and community. No experience is needed, and everything is provided — including cameras, workshops, guidance, and a warm welcome.
What’s involved?
Each participant receives a disposable film camera to capture moments that feel meaningful to them. While we wait for the film to be developed, weekly workshops will explore:
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storytelling and writing
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creative confidence and self-expression
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voice work and simple performance skills
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basic photography (composition, light, framing)
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collaborative games and warmups
When the photos return, each person will be supported in curating a personal slideshow with optional live narration, music, or text. The project will culminate in a relaxed community showing where participants can share their work with family, friends, and guests.
This is about real stories, real people, and real connection — not technical perfection. The charm and unpredictability of disposable cameras level the playing field and encourage us to focus on emotion, presence, and personal truth.
Key Details
📍 Workshops & showing will be held in Taree (venue TBC)
📅 8 weeks of weekly 2hr workshops – dates to be announced
💸 Free to participate – no costs, no experience needed
🎯 For all ages – individuals, families, young people, elders – everyone is welcome
Want to stay in the loop as Leaning In develops?
Send me an email: kay@andthebirdsaid.com