In 2009, the University of Papua New Guinea and the 8 Mile Law and Justice Sector facilitated a two-week community arts workshop in 8 Mile, on the outskirts of Papua New Guinea’s capital city Port Moresby. The workshop hosted programs in drama, music, photography, painting and story writing, and included over 200 local participants. Sean Davey facilitated the photography and story writing groups, resulting in an exhibition of photographs at the University of Papua New Guinea, as well as an exhibition and accompanying catalogue ‘8 Mile: photographs from the margins of Port Moresby’ at Monash Gallery of Art in Victoria, curated by Stephen Zagala.

The workshop program invited participants to express their real-life experiences of living in 8 Mile and the hardships they faced, as well as the ways in which they envisioned a better future for themselves, their families and their community. The workshop’s final presentation day in 8 Mile was attended by members of the UPNG faculty as well as by members of the local government, many of whom had not previously visited 8 Mile.

Aims:

• Engage youth in a marginalised area of Port Moresby.

• Promote inclusion and creative experiences for youths and adults in settlement community.

• Increase understanding and awareness of life in Port Moresby settlement communities.

• Create opportunity for people to explore personal expression with the Arts.

• Showcase capabilities of people living in settlement communities.

Outcomes:

• Artworks made by 8 Mile residents, expressing themselves, their community and cultures.

• Exhibition of photographs at University of Papua New Guinea.

• Front page story on The National newspaper.

• Profile of workshop participant Diddie’s poetry in Weekend Courier newspaper.

• Exhibition at Monash Gallery of Art, Melbourne, Australia.

• First time overseas trip for three workshop participants.

• Increased self-confidence amongst workshop participants.

• Increased self-respect and pride in the local community.