Art collective seeks volunteers to power vision

TRAILBLAZING art collective Antifragile has what its founder Clare Johnston describes as the best problem a small, growing organisation can have.

The group, which runs weekly workshops out of Norlane Community Centre for people with lived experience of mental health or “wobbly brains”, needs more volunteers as demand for its offering outstrips the capacity of its small team.

It means what was initially a five-year plan to grow the initiative has been placed on the fast-track, as Antifragile works to continue delivering support that reflects the needs of the community.

“Antifragile has some pretty big goals, including becoming a legitimate organisation. To achieve that, we need people,” Ms Johnston said.

“The overarching thing is Antifragile is operating to be an example of how things could be. We’re not operating to be a replica of what already exists.

“It is about pushing the envelope. It is about working together to do that and very much about prioritising mental health-related disabilities in the way we work and anyone wanting to be engaged needs to be open to that.”

Ms Johnston said she continues to be amazed at the power of

Antifragile and the safe and liberating space it provides those living with mental illness.

“It is no secret that our modern times have a very big problem with loneliness and disconnection, and I think Antifragile represents a way to connect again and build community in a genuine way.

“We are hope for a world where Antifragile and people like me who live with mental illness, who don’t fit the norms, who struggle in mainstream society, have a place.”

For those interested in supporting the initiative, Antifragile will host an information session tomorrow (Friday, May 30) evening between 5.30pm and 7.30pm at the Norlane Community Centre, where people can learn more about the areas they can assist.

The group has a number of specific skill-based needs, such as support from people with financial management skills, including an understanding of the grant application process, and organisational governance experience, but is also eager to connect with those interested in learning those skills or volunteering in other ways.

“As always, Antifragile comes with the framework that we support each other… we just need a few more people who either have those skills or are interested in it,” Ms Johnston said.

“This is a unique opportunity for everyone and anyone who has ever been curious about how to change the world for the better to get involved and learn alongside other people who are just as curious.”

For more information, connect Antifragile via email at [email protected]