Specifically designed for young people aged 12-25, Livewire in hospital runs a range of skill-based workshops, one on one sessions and ward-based activities, providing opportunities for creativity, entertainment and fun.
Livewire also runs a safe and supportive online community supporting young people aged 12 – 25 living with serious illness, disability or chronic health conditions.
Here are just some of the amazing projects our members have been involved in recently!
Follow the Rainbow with Livewire
A rainbow can be viewed as a sign of hope, good fortune, inclusivity, diversity and friendship. Thanks to over 200 talented young people participating in Livewire and the Arts-In-Health program, 'Follow the Rainbow' is the latest exhibition to grace the walls of the Livewire Gallery, located at the Queensland Children's Hospital.
Over 12 months, 990 mini canvases were painted in hospitals across Queensland, as well as young artists across Australia and New Zealand via our Livewire Online community.
The collaboration is proof that while young people can accomplish great things on their own, they can accomplish something truly remarkable when they work together.
Livewire teens channel their inner Banksy
“Reframed” is an upcoming exhibition, being brought to you by Livewire this summer.
Inspired by a Banksy work – Show Me The Monet (a Monet painting altered to include a discarded shopping trolly), the Livewire team have been sourcing vintage paintings for Livewire patients in hospital to remix via collage, drawing and painting. There are no rules and no blank canvases!
Appealing to both long and short term patients, Livewire teens worked hard to produce a series of reimagined artworks over a period of six months. Importantly, the project provided a vital sense of agency and achievement for our teens, which research shows is often missing for kids spending time in hospital.
“Livewire is honestly the best part of my day, as I can’t leave my room…their visits are the best!” - Liana, Patient
“Amazing! You guys are always so nice. It’s nice to have people who make hospital feel more normal and chill. I have learnt a lot of new games and I find it to be the best part of my day, especially the evening workshop is something I look forward to.” - Momina, Patient
Summer Vibewire
Livewire members were invited to join us on a virtual road trip around Australia, creating a shared experience for those who can’t travel, are isolated, living remotely, or for a myriad of other reasons wished to explore and talk about the places they’ve already been to (or hope to visit) one day.
There were activities at every stop on the journey, and for our most committed virtual travellers, anyone who completed at least 12 of the 16 stops by the end of January received a portable projector!
This was put to VERY good use by a member who used their projector to access Livewire in a whole new way! “Last night I put chat on my ceiling - can’t wait to chill and watch TikTok on the roof this arvo” – Sophie, Livewire Online Member
Music played a huge part with members co-creating and co-hosting Summer Vibefest, Livewire’s very own music festival featuring musical performances and compositions.
As Summer Vibewire came to a close, we also said farewell one of our long-term graduate mentors with a chat party celebration. It was a wonderful evening of reminiscing and merriment but also, the real talk that speaks to the value of Livewire.
“I will definitely miss the chats as well, LW got me through some really tough times with my health.” Fiona, Livewire Mentor
