Project
Me. Myself. Mine was a visual arts exhibition co-created with 18 young people from the South Sydney PCYC weekend arts program in 2001–02. Following a two-month development period, the project culminated in a major exhibition at Kudos Gallery featuring portraits, community photography, collaborative drawings and a film re-enactment of Home and Away (with support from Channel 7). The project was inspired by my own experience as a PCYC kid and experience of the lifelong value of accessible childhood creative experiences.

Process
This was my first CACD project and was developed shortly after encountering the work of the Cultural Development Network and Jon Hawkes. Young people were involved in every stage of the project, from developing themes and creating work through to curation, installation, marketing, gallery attendance, and welcoming guests on opening night. The process positioned participants as collaborators rather than recipients, creating opportunities for creative ownership and practical skill development.

Outcomes
The project resulted in 45 artworks and a public exhibition attended by participants, families, community members, local politicians, UNSW staff and students, and PCYC police officers. The project received promotion through triple j. Several participants continued their involvement in the arts, including one who later became a professional documentary photographer.

Ongoing
More than two decades later, the project remains a touchstone for my practice. In particular, the project reinforced the importance of participation, shared authorship and creating opportunities for people to shape the cultural life of their own communities. These principles remain central to my work and can be seen across later projects including Eat Art, Art Month Sydney, Meet Our Makers, and Rural Liminal.