Creative forces converge this weekend

THIS weekend, the region will be buzzing artists, entrepreneurs, and representatives from all the creative industries for the first Conflux Bendigo.

The program features panel discussions, workshops, and performances that focus on the relationship between creativity and innovation and the role of technology.

Bendigo’s own Megan Champion is developing a new project called We Are Untold and it tells the stories of women in the arts and the value of women in society.

She will host a panel discussion alongside City of Greater Bendigo First Nations arts officer Janet Bromley, Yorta Yorta artist Annie Brigdale, visual arts professor Jacqueline Milner and Castlemaine installation artist Hermoine Merry.

“We’re not only discussing female representation of art, but we’re also talking about women’s traditional roles being in healthcare, mental health, social work, childcare and education,” Ms Champion said.

Ms Champion said her background in film and theatre, as well as working as a hair makeup artist in the fashion industry showed her how women can be devalued.

“From being in those sectors I kind of really had an idea of what a women’s worth was, being in fashion is very much based of the aesthetic idea of a woman,” she said.

She said a focus of the event will be how the arts can be used to make social change.

“Bringing up these conversations and hard topics, that’s what the arts is about and what this weekend is going to be about,” she said.

Ms Champion’s session is on at 10am at the Capital Theatre on Sunday.