The Seeing Red Project

A change in the management of our local arts precinct meant that our renowned CrossXpollinatioN exhibition would not run in 2026. The decision was made without consultation with the artists and community members who had been instrumental in its conception and organisation. We all saw red! We were sad, frustrated and angry. To us, it felt a little like cancelling the Grand Final!

From that disappointment, local artists, makers and community members came together to keep the creative spirit alive through OFF AND CROSS — a month-long celebration of textiles, creativity and connection. From this, the Seeing Red community arts project was launched. We filled the town with textile exhibitions and installations throughout Colac, including works at Colac Makers Space, Tarndie, Colac Unearthed and participating Murray Street shop windows.

The Seeing Red project invited people of all ages and abilities to contribute to a community protest banner. No sewing experience was needed — just curiosity and a willingness to take part. We provided fabrics, threads, lace, buttons and plenty of inspiration. Whether someone stayed for 20 minutes or a whole session, every stitch became part of something bigger. Seeing Red became a way for our community to transform disappointment into connection. Within the banner are threads of protest, resilience, creativity and shared experience.

Drawing inspiration from the global Red Dress Project, the proud tradition of union banners, and the resilience of the Women’s Land Army, the work honours the hands that have kept communities going — the domestic, agricultural, industrial and creative labour that is often unseen, often unthanked, but always essential.

The Makers Space has a marquee called The Moveable Feast. Part old circus tent, part jewel-like gypsy caravan, she has become an icon for our creative community. A metaphor for creativity and nurturing, she displays her well-worn exterior to the world while protecting and encouraging the making, sharing and storytelling taking place within.

The Seeing Red banner is now beginning its next chapter. Rather than remaining a banner, it will be incorporated into The Moveable Feast, giving her a new petticoat and transforming her into The Red Tent. We love the symbolism of that name and everything it represents — a place of gathering, storytelling, voices being heard, refuge, resilience and shared creativity. A space where textile, memory and solidarity meet; where the work of generations of women — domestic, industrial, agricultural and creative — is held up to the light.

It feels like the natural evolution of a project that began with frustration and disappointment, but ultimately became a story of hope, connection and belonging.

The Colac Makers' Space is primarily an art space that offers our community a place to create their own work. We also run creative drop‑in sessions, affordable workshops, talks, and exhibitions for artists and makers of all experience levels — from complete beginners to established practitioners. We warmly welcome new members who want to learn, experiment, and connect with others in a supportive creative environment.

Colac Makers' Space Inc respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land - Gulidjan and Gadubanud peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation- Ancestors and Elders, past, present and all First Nation People of this country.