younity creative sessions: free art + writing workshops for lgbtqia+sb youth (13–24 yrs)
this october and november, the cannery art room will shift into something new. an open studio space where queer stories take the front seat. it isn’t school, it isn’t homework, and it isn’t about being neat. it’s about showing up, making something raw, and being loud in a world that too oftentries to quiet queer voices.
the sessions will be facilitated by local queer artist + writer, sarsby, who knows firsthand what it’s like to grow up on the coast in regional wa and feel like your story doesn’t fit the usual script. through art and creative writing, participants will be invited to channel the grit and chaos of lived experience into something honest and powerful.
how the sessions will run
the workshops are divided into two segments. during the first weekend, participants will be introduced to creative concepts and tools designed to break open the page. ice breakers, writing prompts, and experiments in storytelling that feel authentic to each individual’s narrative. these activities are especially supportive for those new to writing and journaling.
sarsby will also share insights from their experience in poetry slam and spoken word, showing how voicing writing aloud can clear confusion and build confidence in expression. no one will be forced to perform, but the space will invite exploration of how words transform when spoken.
the following sessions will lead into the process of designing personal flags. each workshop will remain flexible and participant-driven, with the atmosphere treated as an open studio space. as sarsby explains, collaboration and exciting work often emerge in the spaces between fewer rules.
extras + access
for those unable to attend in person, diy packs will be available to work through at home. all materials and snacks are provided. participants only need to bring themselves, and are welcome to bring visual diaries, journals, or even favourite books for inspiration.
when + where
saturdays and sundays, 1–3 p.m.
oct 18–19, 25–26, nov 1–2
cannery arts centre, art room
why take part
growing up queer in regional wa can often feel tangled, isolating, and complicated. these sessions are about holding that truth together and flipping it into something loud, beautiful, and unmistakably ours. experience isn’t required. only the willingness to show up and be part of a collective voice.
the work created in these sessions won’t end here. it will ripple forward, contributing to and being showcased at pride fest 2026 in boorloo / perth, amplifying regional voices across the state.
backed by
younity is a collaboration with youth pride network, north midlands project, amaga, and west australian opera. with additional support from healthway and the government of wa.
register + find out more
canneryartscentre.com.au
younity.info/younity
@wordsbysarsby
