In Conversation with Vivien Davidson

What happens when your community goes through a devastating experience and you feel compelled to reach out to those most in need? Like many who witnessed the impact of the Australian bushfires last Summer, Vivien Davidson wanted to find a way to express her solidarity and connect with people in her community who were hardest hit by the Currowan fire on the South Coast of New South Wales. In this very special episode, we hear how Vivien and her friends at the Murramarang Spinners and Weavers group harnessed the goodwill and creativity of their community in a meaningful act of kindness and connection. We also hear about Vivien’s upcoming plans for the one year anniversary of the fire and how art can provide a powerful foundation for sharing and connection as people rebuild their lives after a disaster. In this conversation, Scotia and Vivien discuss: - The process of creating 50 ‘Love Boxes’ for bushfire affected residents in the New South Wales district of Milton-Ulladulla made up of hand-knitted beanies, hand-made soaps, coffee vouchers for local brewers, seed packets, individually hand-dyed silk scarves and personal notes of support and solidarity. - How the group mobilised a team of home knitters who made 75 beanies, working throughout the Covid lockdown and the impact the process had on those who contributed. - Vivien’s plans for a community recovery exhibition to mark the one year anniversary of the fire. - The importance of the arts to community recovery and how creativity can provide a meaningful way to share and connect. - And finally, Vivien shares with us some of the heartfelt feedback the group received from the recipients of the Love Boxes. Further information: Creative Recovery Love Boxes https://creativerecovery.net.au/key-projects/love-boxes/