Community Archiving: Experimental print-making

Next date: Wednesday, 29 April 2026 | 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

This workshop is part of a broader program called Community Archiving, offered by Emma Ismawi as part of the Maribyrnong Community Engaged Artist-in-Residence program.

Print making has a long history in Borneo Malaysia as a medium to tell stories of daily life, folklores, political and social struggles. This workshop introduces beginner-friendly printmaking methods using everyday, low-cost materials and tools so participants can create their own expressive prints beyond the workshops.

Prints created will be woven into the designs for the community zine, with participants’ permission.

All materials are provided.

Book your workshop place here

About your participation:

All photographs, images and stories will only be shared in the exhibition, documentation and zine with the consent of participants.

The final publication will be curated by the artist and participants and may not include everything created during the residency.

About the community-engaged residency:

Artist and educator Emma Ismawi is the Community-Engaged Artist-in-Residence at Maribyrnong Community Centre for 2026.

During her residency, Emma will work with community members to create a small, co‑designed book/zine that gathers and celebrates some of the 80 languages and 135 cultures in the City of Maribyrnong. The book will celebrate the community's diverse backgrounds, histories, heritages and embodied knowledge, functioning as an archive that puts their stories in their hands. The book will have a permanent home at the centre and the participants will receive a copy as a keepsake and to share with future generations.

Throughout the residency, Emma will host creative workshops and informal sessions where participants can make artworks to take home, and share stories together, contributing to a growing “living exhibition” in the centre’s foyer and the final publication.

Workshops will be offered on select Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Maribyrnong Community Centre in March, April and May. These free workshops – covering subjects such as storytelling with objects, creating community maps, typography, zine-making, print-making, and book design – can be booked online or with community centre staff. All are welcome to attend.

Emma will also work from the centre on several Wednesdays, so please introduce yourself and learn more about how you can get involved.

About Emma Ismawi

Emma Ismawi is a multi‑hyphenate creative working across design, illustration, zines, printmaking, painting, producing and public art. Her practice centres co‑design and participatory methods, and she regularly runs workshops with people of all ages and backgrounds. Emma was previously commissioned under Council's StreetWORKS program to design and install a mural, Meet Me at the Centre, on the wall of Maribyrnong Community Centre.

Learn more about Emma’s work at https://ismawidesign.com.au/

Queries or requests

If you would like to speak to someone about accessibility requirements, or have any questions, please contact the Arts Engagement Officer at arts@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au or by calling (03) 9688 0233.

Photo credit: Emma Ismawi, test prints, home made play-doh, ink pads (2025)