Arts & Cultural Activities

Why we support arts & cultural activities

In the 1800s Mechanics’s Institutes mainly referred to tradesmen who ‘worked with their hands’ and who were the original audience for the institutes and their technical and mechanical books and classes, sharing what they called ‘useful knowledge’.

Mechanics’ Institutes were independent organisations that offered subscription library and learning services to communities before formal schooling and libraries run by governments. They also became important local meeting places for social events and cultural happenings.

At the BMI we continue to follow this tradition by continuing to offer up such activities to our members and our local community. We hope you have to opportunity to support our artists and and the volunteers that help with the delivery of these programs.

Image: Workshop on Painting Basics with Geoff Roderick.

Current activities

New Discussion Group

We are currently exploring the initiation of a member lead discussion group and we would like to hear what your discussion, ‘hot topic’ might be. If you are
interested in participating in such a group please
complete the on-line expression of interest and we’ll keep you updated on where and when such an event might take place. The first of these sessions will be a fortnightly ‘Current Affairs’ discussion group.

If there are other topics or activities that you as a
member are willing to lead or assist in leading then
we would love to hear from you, some ideas that have been floated are:

Geology fossicking
Learning a trade or craft
Walking groups
History tours

We would also like to know what sort of events would attract you to spending more time at the BMI.

Complete the on-line expression of interest.

Workshop | Tin Art with Melinda Muscat

Workshop | 9 October, with fellow creatives.

Melinda’s Display

Melinda’s display in the library during the workshops. It includes tin-art, jewellery, paintings, embroidery, skulls and much more…

Community Arts & Culture Projects

If you are an artist or creative and have ideas or suggestions for Community Arts Projects then we would like to hear from you.