PRACTICE IN COMMUNITY  PROJECT 

'Happenstance'
Community-designed performances in everyday spaces addressing social isolation through creative encounters, storytelling and shared participation. 
Primary Project Location: Fish Creek, Victoria

‘Happenstance’ is a community-engaged performing arts project in Fish Creek, South Gippsland, exploring what becomes possible when people encounter creativity unexpectedly. 

Inspired by the 1960s “Happenings,” the project responds to local experiences of isolation by creating co-designed moments of movement, sound and storytelling in everyday spaces. Developed with Manna Gum Community House and local participants, ‘Happenstance’ prioritises process over predetermined outcomes, inviting people to shape the work through presence and play. In doing so, the project expands pathways into cultural participation and encourages connection, belonging and collective creative agency. 

"Being selected for the Practice in Community program is incredible. Opportunities like this are rare, so I feel very lucky that Regional Arts Australia trusts my practice and sees the potential in the 'Happenstance' project for my Fish Creek community. I’m excited to get started and see where it leads."

 ABOUT SAMARA  

Samara Cunningham is an award-winning community artist and director from Fish Creek, Victoria who creates inclusive, participatory performance projects blending dance, theatre and movement. Passionate about bringing people together, she works with individuals of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in professionally supported creative environments.

Her practice champions the belief that the arts are for everyone, reaching those often excluded from cultural experiences and creating welcoming spaces for all. Through multi-disciplinary projects, Samara builds stronger, more connected communities while supporting strong health and wellbeing outcomes.

Committed to regional sustainability, Samara creates meaningful employment for artists, designers, technicians, filmmakers and photographers. Her work is supported by leading arts organisations, local communities, philanthropists and national foundations, reflecting its impact and reach.

Image Credits: Photography by Lauren Murphy

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