HIGHLIGHTING THE PEOPLE AND STORIES BEHIND HOMELESSNESS IN

MELBOURNE

DATE: 25.7.18

A new exhibition will highlight the stories of those who have experienced homelessness, putting a

human face to the increasing homelessness crisis.

As part of annual Homelessness Week from 6 to 12 August, 15 artists will showcase their art in the

Our Story exhibition.

The exhibition is presented by Wombat Housing and Support Services, in collaboration with Lulu

Café and Gallery in North Melbourne, and social enterprise Open Canvas.

Artwork on show during the Our Story art exhibition has been produced by artists who have

experienced or are experiencing homelessness.

Wombat youth case manager, Lenka Brazda said the inspiration for the exhibition came from young

people taking part in the organisation’s youth programs.

“In late 2017, Wombat Housing and Support services received funding through the Lord Mayor’s

Charitable Foundation to deliver living skill workshops ‘Making Healthy Choices’ for 17- to-25-year-

olds,” she said.

“Part of these workshops consisted of art therapy sessions, which provided the young people with

creative workshops for self-expression in a safe and supported environment.’’

“The artwork created during these sessions will be on display along with stories from each artist

relating to their experience with homelessness. It is a non-judgemental way for them to express

what they have experienced without feeling the stigma often attached to the term ‘homeless’.”

Wombat Executive Officer, Rebecca Cleaver said ‘’Homelessness Week provides the opportunity to

highlight the varied stories of those who experience homelessness”.

“We hope this exhibition increases understanding and compassion for those most negatively

affected by the housing affordability crisis and the shortage of affordable, safe options for people

experiencing hardship.”

Melbourne-based social enterprise Open Canvas will also exhibit a number of pieces from artists

who’ve experienced homelessness.

“It’s important people see the stories behind homelessness – the events that lead to it and the

issues surrounding it,” Open Canvas founder Dan Rath said.

“Homelessness isn’t a faceless problem, and the artwork and stories on display in this exhibition

prove that.

“Open Canvas works to empower artists who’ve faced homelessness and other adversity by

exhibiting and selling their artwork.”

The theme of this year’s Homelessness Week is ‘ending homelessness together’. The Victorian

homelessness peak body, the Council to Homeless Persons is calling on leaders to address the

affordable housing crisis which is driving homelessness up.

Melbourne State MP, Ellen Sandell will officially open the exhibition on August 2.

Homelessness facts and statistics

- 25,000 Victorians were counted as homeless on Census night (ABS, 2016)

- 109,000 Victorians sought help from homelessness services and more than 60% of them were

women (AIHW, 2016-17)

- Rough sleeping represents just 6% of all homelessness in Victoria (ABS, Census, 2016)

- Half of all those experiencing homelessness in Victoria are under 25 (ABS, Census, 2016)

- Less than 1-in-20 private rentals in Melbourne would be affordable to someone on a low

income (DHHS Rent Report, March 2018)

- 36,700 Victorians are waiting for public and community housing (DHHS, Victorian Housing

Register)

Our Story is on show at Lulu Café and Gallery, 506 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne.

Official opening: Thursday 2 August from 4.30pm-6.30pm

The exhibition will run from 2 to 12 August, open from Wednesday to Sunday.

Lulu Café & Gallery – www.lulucafegallery.com.au

Wombat – www.wombat.org.au

Open Canvas – www.opencanvas.com.au

About Homelessness Week

Homelessness Week is an annual, nation-wide campaign to highlight the work of the homelessness

sector and recognise barriers to ending homelessness across Australia.

It is an opportunity to raise awareness about why people become homeless, the effect on individuals

and the community as a whole. The 2018 Homelessness Week theme is Ending Homelessness

Together. This year, Homelessness Week is held from 6-12 August.

Interviews and photos available on request.

For more media information contact: Wombat event organiser, Lenka Brazda,

lenka@wombat.org.au, 0417 539 388