Murrumbidgee Arts Kinship Enterprise (MAKE)

The Murrumbidgee Arts Kinship Enterprise (MAKE) began over 10 years ago as part of a Creative Aging program I developed for the Murrumbidgee Council in Community Services. Initially focused on seniors, MAKE has since evolved into a vibrant social enterprise that empowers women from all backgrounds through the arts. Today, MAKE serves as an inclusive community space for seniors, First Nations women, women with disabilities, and those facing challenges or disadvantages offering them a safe, supportive environment in which to express themselves creatively and build connections.

Living in remote areas often means experiencing isolation, limited access to resources, and barriers to economic opportunity. As a social enterprise, MAKE addresses these challenges head-on, creating economic empowerment through skill-building and offering women pathways to personal and professional growth. Through workshops in design, sewing, recycled materials, printing & artwork, MAKE helps participants develop valuable skills that can lead to new opportunities while fostering a strong sense of belonging and resilience.

Each week at the Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery and Studio in Coleambally, MAKE provides a space for art-making and community-centred projects that enhance well-being and foster personal growth. The group’s exhibitions in regional galleries, including Griffith Regional Art Gallery, Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, the Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery, and Griffith Regional Theatre, offer participants a platform to share their journeys and creativity with the wider community.

MAKE is more than an art workshop; it’s a social enterprise committed to supporting regional women, breaking down barriers, and building stronger, more resilient communities through the power of creativity.

The MAKE group has become something truly special—a space where women come together to find strength, voice, and connection through the transformative power of art.