What happens when a community takes the lead in telling its own story?  

In Shorewell Park, a suburb of Burnie too often defined by outsiders for its deficits rather than its many assets, the outcome has been connection, confidence, and a creative legacy that continues to grow. 

Back in 2019, Ten Days on the Island joined forces with Burnie Community House and Urban Theatre Projects to create a multi-year project that would connect the community to the rest of Burnie. It all started with a long table dinner under the stars where fifty Burnie locals and fifty guests from Shorewell Park shared food, stories, and laughter. One guest summed it up simply: “What that arts event did was connect the two parts of the city… only arts can do that.” 

That night set in motion a strong desire to develop a second event. When COVID hit, the project pivoted to Dear Friend, a letter-writing initiative that kept people connected during isolation. Those letters inspired the outdoor exhibition Gallery of Hopes and Dreams, a series of billboards designed by residents and displayed proudly in Shorewell Park. Guided tours during the 2021 Festival shared the deep pride, confidence, and a sense of belonging the Shorewell participants have. During this time of isolation, it was important to be reminded of the remarkable power cultural projects have to inspire change and increase the well-being of those involved.  Burnie Community House noted that it helped increase participation in health and social programmes, especially among men. 

“Cultural creativity may well be the saving grace of community revitalisation into the future,” said Dr Tracy EdingtonMackay, Burnie Community House. 

In 2023, Shorewell Presents turned to the big screen. Take 3 featured two short films by award-winning filmmaker Lara van Raay alongside community led projects Moment Behind the Photo and Dream Box, and it premiered with Ten Days on the Island before securing further support to reach wider audiences. 

Shorewell Presents: Take 3 is more than an exhibition; it is a story of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of being heard. It is also a reminder of why Ten Days on the Island exists: to bring people together through art, spark pride in place, and leave a lasting legacy in regional communities. We are very excited to share that the exhibition is about to be part of the opening programme for the new Burnie Arts centre.

Join us in congratulating the team at Burnie Arts on delivering this bold new space for the North West. This new home for culture is a gift to the region.

Head on over to the new centre to enjoy Shorewell Presents: Take 3, on display from 17 October 2025 to 17 January 2026 at Burnie Arts. Free entry. Come and be part of the story. Visit the Burnie Arts website for more information.  

Burnie Arts Event Page