The Art of Connection was run by Kate Holmes in January 2025 with another successful SIAG application from the Health & Well-Being Program.
An immersive environmental awareness and wellbeing program, it invited participants to interact with the natural environment through a series of 3 nature-based art and games workshops.
The workshops were facilitated by local artists and nature connection practitioners in various nature reserves and parklands within and surrounding Benalla.
Participants had the opportunity to be guided through nature connection practices which help to "rewire" the nervous system to promote a sense of wellbeing and connection through nature. The groups then participated in the collaborative making of natural ephemeral art pieces to generate a collective snapshot of the experience and facilitate space for sharing, connection and discussion about their experiences and connection to environment.
Local area field guides and information about the landscape and relevant species to the reserve or park were made available as part of the program, promoting awareness and connection to the broader ecological community within which we live.
At an individual level, the facilitated nature connection experiences were designed to bring about a sense of personal well-being as nature time - particularly within a guided framework - acts as a nervous system reset and supports mental health. The program gave participants tools which they may integrate into their lifestyle to support well-being.
Opportunities for meaningful social connection were provided through the group facilitated processes including collaborative art pieces and sharing circles; opportunities for participants to meet like-minded community members and build social bonds through the shared experience of awe, wonder or curiosity in nature.
Broader environmental benefit for the community: The event promoted environmental awareness, connection and responsibility. By developing meaningful connection to the natural world, people develop a sense of purpose and stewardship which supports wellbeing and belonging and a desire to protect the natural environment.
In particular, the event was promoted to groups who support those experiencing isolation or mental health and wellbeing challenges.
(Extracted from the Greening Benalla report to BSFG AGM, June 2025)
An immersive environmental awareness and wellbeing program, it invited participants to interact with the natural environment through a series of 3 nature-based art and games workshops.
The workshops were facilitated by local artists and nature connection practitioners in various nature reserves and parklands within and surrounding Benalla.
Participants had the opportunity to be guided through nature connection practices which help to "rewire" the nervous system to promote a sense of wellbeing and connection through nature. The groups then participated in the collaborative making of natural ephemeral art pieces to generate a collective snapshot of the experience and facilitate space for sharing, connection and discussion about their experiences and connection to environment.
Local area field guides and information about the landscape and relevant species to the reserve or park were made available as part of the program, promoting awareness and connection to the broader ecological community within which we live.
At an individual level, the facilitated nature connection experiences were designed to bring about a sense of personal well-being as nature time - particularly within a guided framework - acts as a nervous system reset and supports mental health. The program gave participants tools which they may integrate into their lifestyle to support well-being.
Opportunities for meaningful social connection were provided through the group facilitated processes including collaborative art pieces and sharing circles; opportunities for participants to meet like-minded community members and build social bonds through the shared experience of awe, wonder or curiosity in nature.
Broader environmental benefit for the community: The event promoted environmental awareness, connection and responsibility. By developing meaningful connection to the natural world, people develop a sense of purpose and stewardship which supports wellbeing and belonging and a desire to protect the natural environment.
In particular, the event was promoted to groups who support those experiencing isolation or mental health and wellbeing challenges.
(Extracted from the Greening Benalla report to BSFG AGM, June 2025)
