The Talking Difference Portable Studio, created by the Immigration Museum (Museum Victoria) and VicHealth, and designed to facilitate conversation about cultural difference, will open at Geelong Regional Library Corporation’s Corio library on Monday, March 3, 2014.
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It has been likened to the Tardis and, just like the Doctor, it has the ability to change lives.
The Talking Difference Portable Studio, created by the Immigration Museum (Museum Victoria) and VicHealth, and designed to facilitate conversation about cultural difference, will open at Geelong Regional Library Corporation’s Corio library on Monday, March 3, 2014.
Talking Difference is an online media project aimed at promoting diversity and challenging discrimination by encouraging people to view and create their own works in film, sound, image and text. The project is expected to help further strengthen the Geelong community by widening understanding and acceptance of cultural differences.
City of Greater Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons encouraged residents to visit the Talking Difference studio at the library to share their thoughts, experiences and ideas.
"This is a great initiative by Museum Victoria and VicHealth to create an organised forum to discuss cultural difference," Cr Lyons said.
"I encourage the Geelong community to take the chance to have their say in this unique and creative way."
"This is a great opportunity that should not be missed," he said.
The Talking Difference Portable Studio features new technology, including a touch screen, HD camera, microphone and lights, to allow people to view multimedia content produced by others and to respond with their own video, audio, text and drawing.
A team of local people will create video questions during free Portable Studio Champion Workshops, from 1-4pm on Monday 3 March at Corio Library, and 1-4pm on Monday 17 March at Belmont Library, and invite others to create content in the Portable Studio, which is free and available in the library during opening hours.
A community launch will be held at Corio Library on Tuesday 4 March 10am and the Portable Studio will remain at Corio Library Cox Road, Norlane, before moving to Belmont Library at 163 High St, Belmont, from 17 to 30 March. Speakers at the launch include Irene Verrins, Program Manager, Mental Wellbeing, VicHealth, Padmini Sebastian, Manager, Immigration Museum, and Cr Andy Richards, Chair of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation.
"The strength of Talking Difference is that the communities involved are effectively taking charge of new technologies to create their own conversations about diversity and difference," said Immigration Museum Community Engagement Manager Tatiana Mauri.
"Through the project, people not only become new media makers but also become champions for sharing ideas and dialogue about cultural identity and intercultural understanding".
The Talking Difference Portable Studio is part of the VicHealth Arts About Us Roadshow touring regional Victoria in 2014. VicHealth has funded seven Arts About Us projects over three years to develop arts-based programs, shows and exhibitions that celebrate cultural diversity and help people understand the impacts of race-based discrimination.
VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter encouraged local residents to visit the Talking Difference Studio at Geelong libraries.
"VicHealth is really excited to support the Studio to encourage dialogue about the benefits of cultural diversity and the harm caused by race-based discrimination," she said. "We hope Greater Geelong residents embrace the chance to have their say in this unique and creative way."
Chair of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, Cr Andy Richards, says that this exciting health promotion project is one of the many events and activities offered by the Geelong Regional Library Corporation.
"We have recently published our Autumn calendar of events and there are a number of not-to-be missed events for adults and children alike. There is something for everyone, so pick up a copy of the brochure at your local library branch" Cr Richards says.
Talking Difference is a partnership between Geelong Regional Library Corporation, VicHealth, Immigration Museum (Museum Victoria) and Artistic Merit.
is a partnership between Geelong Regional Library Corporation, VicHealth, Immigration Museum (Museum Victoria) and Artistic Merit.Details
Dates for the Talking Difference Portable Studio:
Portable Studio:Corio Library, March 3-16; and Belmont Library, March 17-30.
Corio Library, March 3-16; and Belmont Library, March 17-30.Further info at http://museumvictoria.com.au/talkingdifference
Media enquiries:
For further media information, interviews or images, please contact:
For further media information, interviews or images, please contact:Natalie Filmer
The Launch Box
0418 586 141
0418 586 141
