Creative U! is an annual arts event that is an extension of Initiatives of Change (IofC) Australia’s transformative program, Life Matters.
Rooted in the belief that creativity is essential to personal growth and societal transformation, Creative U provides a platform for artistic expression through various mediums including visual arts, drama, poetry, music, and storytelling.
Creative U! is hosted at Armagh, a century-old house in Melbourne’s Toorak suburb and the home of the Australia-Pacific Centre for Initiatives of Change. The event unites the IofC community, bringing members together to collaborate on performances showcased during the evening.
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Uncle Shane Charles on Guitar
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Live Performances from the music group
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![Participants mingling with food and drink around the art installation before the evening begins]()
Participants mingling with food and drink around the art installations before the evening begins
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Audience gathered in anticipation in the Ballroom
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Drama group embodying the Heart of the Fire
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![A Wishing Tree installation on a gratitude Mandela. Participants could write a wish or note of gratitude about their experience of Creative U! and our other cultural intelligence programs.]()
A Wishing Tree installation on a gratitude Mandela. Participants could write a wish or note of gratitude about their experience of Creative U! and our other cultural intelligence programs.
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West African Djembe Drumming
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Installation created by the art group
participants engage in a journey of self-discovery and development. Through collaborative creative efforts, they gain confidence, presentation skills, and a deeper understanding of themselves and others. The event not only celebrates diversity and community but also addresses critical issues such as racism, justice, and ethics.
Whether through song, dance, or art, Creative U! is a space where creativity flows from a place of stillness. It’s a space where the spirit of collaboration ignites, and together, we work toward building a more peaceful, just, and sustainable society.
At Creative U!,
The Heart of the Fire: A Collective Creation
The moment guests arrived, they stepped into a living, breathing work of art—an immersive installation that blurred the line between space and experience. A striking red sea of wool cascaded from the ceiling, wrapping the room in warmth and transforming it into a hub for play, conversation, and storytelling.
But this wasn’t just a visual spectacle—it was a testament to the power of collective creativity. In the weeks leading up to the event, the IofC community came together to bring it to life. Each strand of wool, woven by hand, carried stories, connections, and shared purpose. What began as simple threads became a powerful symbol of unity—an artwork shaped not just by hands, but by the conversations, laughter, and energy of those who created it.
Branding
