ReMida Inspires: A Snapshot

On Saturday, the 19th of October, ReMida launches ReMida Inspires 2024-2026, a two-year project that will see many exciting changes across our programs and services. In the lead-up to the launch, ReMida will be closed from Tuesday, the 16th of October, to Friday, the 18th of October. ReMida will have extended trading hours on Saturday the 12th from 8 am-3 pm to support people’s material collection needs.

What is ReMida Inspires?

Over the last four years, ReMida has explored two main questions: firstly, what does

it mean to be a ReMida centre in a post-COVID, contemporary West Australian context, and secondly, how does ReMida faithfully represent the core elements of the International ReMida Project to its members, stakeholders and the broader community? People who have followed ReMida’s journey over the last four years will have experienced some of the changes we have already made to answer these questions. During our recent trip to ReMida Reggio, we had the opportunity to sit down, remap our journey thus far, and look ahead to our future.

We are now at the point where it is time to roll up our sleeves and get cracking on what is next for ReMida Perth. As a quick overview, there are four phases to the Project:

Phase 1. October 2024 – January 2025 will see ReMida’s changes to the space, including the creation of a new outdoor atelier space.

Phase 2. February 2025 – July 2025 will focus on the education program and include a new Professional Learning series, expanded festival and event offerings, and the launch of ReMida Perth’s annual conference.

Phase 3. August 2025 – December 2025 ReMida will concentrate on its digital presence, including a move to implementing online versions of the Professional Learning Program and a new series of education workshops that will blend online and in-person delivery modes.

Phase 4. January – March 2026 represents the review phase of the Project and culminates in an online showcase of the changes and their outcomes.

What is staying the same?

Several core elements will remain the same throughout this process:

·         The opening times will remain as they are

·         Access to materials

·         The ability to book workshops as incursions and excursions

·         School holiday workshops

·         Jellyfish Plastics (although we have some exciting news here that we will share later in the process)

 

Why is ReMida closing for four days between the 15th and 18th of October?

We need some time to make changes to the physical space, which includes a series of maintenance tasks. Completing the bulk of the work in one hit made the most sense to minimise disruption for members, visitors, staff and volunteers. To help offset the inconvenience, we have extended trading hours on the Saturday before and after the closure: Saturday the 12th of October, 8 am – 3 pm and Saturday the 19th of October, 8 am – 3 pm.

Will there be a chance to provide feedback on the building’s new look?

Yes. We will have an online feedback form on the website, and Paul, our CEO, will be working downstairs and is always happy to chat (he will also be working on FRINGE, so expect some large creations to appear at ReMida between now and the Christmas break.

So then, what is next?

As you visit ReMida this week, you will notice changes across the building. We made an early start last Saturday, and it was great to start the process of chatting with members about the Project and the changes. Next week, when we are closed, we will do regular Facebook updates to keep everyone updated as changes take shape. Saturday the 19th will be a chance to visit ReMida, see the first run of changes, collect materials and talk to staff and volunteers about what is coming up between now and the end of the year.

The best way to stay updated is to like and follow our Facebook page and subscribe to the website to ensure you get the blog updates as these go into more detail.

2025 marks ReMida’s 21st year, which is a massive achievement for everyone involved across our past and present and for all those who will help shape our future. Special thanks to our local and international community and our volunteers, who help make changes like this possible.