Young creatives get their start with PLAY at learning lab The Channel

Accessible workshops across music production, music-writing, podcasting, magic, playwriting and more will be available ensuring an ongoing commitment to nurture and elevate the next generation of creatives.

“The Channel’s PLAY program invites young people, emerging artists, families and children, lifelong learners, and community arts organisations to get involved in our hands-on creative workshops to hone their skills and build creative networks,” says Zoe Rinkel, Arts Centre Melbourne’s Senior Producer of Creative Learning, Programming.

“Our workshops and masterclasses are led by established artists and industry professionals, creating space for freedom of expression, and cultivating new ideas and new voices. We are excited to kick off the PLAY program with a great range of creative workshops for children in the January school holidays.”

The Ableton User Group returns from 14 December led by electronic music maker and educator Ben Murphy AKA Ben At Work. This bi-monthly gathering is for beginner and amateur Ableton users to share music and ideas with other like-minded creatives.

Instant Rockstar will run on 12 & 23 January offering aspiring young musicians an opportunity to create in The Channel’s world class studio environment. This offering is designed for ages 10 – 15 to experience an inclusive music making experience, paired with a tour of the Australian Music Vault.

Australian hip hop artist Mantra is on board for Hip Hop Lyric Writing Workshop on 12 & 23 January with a jam-packed session to explore lyric creation and song writing. This unique session for ages 12 – 16 also includes a guided tour of the Australian Music Vault and an insight into the history of hip hop.

There are more hip-hop happenings with Sensible (little) Soirees which is designed for children aged from 2 – 7 and 8 – 12. Guest host N’fa Jones (1200 Techniques, Cool Out Sun) and artists Mantra and Jess Fairlie make this special offering a must do over the summer holidays for the little ones.

The popular Magic Workshop returns on 17 & 25 January guided by the incredible Lee Cohen. Cohen is the Head Teacher at Melbourne School of Magical Arts (MESMA) and Australian Magic & Illusions Associate on the wildly popular Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. Aspiring magicians aged 10 – 12 to learn tricks of the trade in the wonderful world of magic.

Everyone has a story to tell with Enter Stage Left and kids aged 8 – 12 are next up with playwriting workshops on 19 & 24 January. This session will invite participants to write, direct and perform their own play live on stage at The Channel.

If you and the family miss out on these summer offerings by The Channel – further programming will be announced in the new year.

“Over the coming months we will be announcing creative mentorship and performance programs for emerging artists across music-making and career development, comedy, theatre, and dance. Stay tuned for exciting initiatives delivered in partnership with Songlines, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Theatre Heritage Australia, Magicians At Work, The Artful Dodgers and many, many more,” added Rinkel.