Rosanna Library Pop-Up will be closed from 1 December in preparation for the opening of the new Rosanna Library in January. There will be service changes for this location.

Contribute to Community Exhibition

Call for Artists! Contribute a Book Box to our Community Exhibition

Yarra Plenty Regional Library is inviting artists, makers, and creative community members to contribute to an exciting upcoming exhibition, celebrating the richness of lived experiences through the creation of Book Boxes. 

 

The Exhibition  

Taking inspiration from the title The World We Can Build  by Eliza Hull and Sally Rippin, the exhibition will express the core values of social cohesion through a symbolic city that visually and emotionally reflects our shared values, using new and found materials.  

The Book Boxes and other artistic contributions will be exhibited on the Upper Ground level of Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub (ILCH) in Cultural Diversity Week, 17-23 March 2026.   

Book, The World We Can Build next to 3 book boxes to demonstrate shape and scale

Book Boxes

Book Boxes are small, decorated boxes that reflect personal stories and community perspectives, and will be used as buildings in the exhibition. Through this unique art form, participants will explore and respond to themes of accessibility, inclusiveness, respect, trust, belonging, civic engagement, and resilience.  

Each book box becomes a vessel for individual reflection and a celebration of the shared values that connect us all.  

The Book Boxes are papier mache in construction and measure approximately 11.5 x 3 x 14.5cm. Blank book boxes are delivered to you by YPRL!

 

Contributions

We are seeking volunteer contributors who are passionate about using art to spark conversation, foster connection, and deepen understanding within our communities. While we are unable to offer payment for participation, your contribution will be featured as part of a meaningful, collective exhibition that honours the diverse voices and creative spirit of our community.  

We are especially interested in hearing from those who live, work or play in Banyule, Nillumbik, or Whittlesea, but welcome all contributions. 

 

Deadline

YPRL will organise delivery of an individually numbered, blank book box to you and provide details on how to submit it.  

All contributions are due by Friday 13 February 2026. Contributions can be returned to the artist after the exhibition or used as a touring exhibition throughout YPRL locations in 2026.  

 

Further Resources

Artists seeking inspiration from the book that inspired the exhibition can borrow The World We Can Build  from Yarra Plenty Regional Library. Let’s build a city together—one box at a time!  

 

To submit your Expression of Interest, please complete the form below. 

Are you able to deliver your completed contribution to Mill Park, Eltham or Watsonia Library? *
If yes, which library branch can you deliver to?
What would you like YPRL to do with your Book Box at the completion of the exhibition? *
YPRL will be highlighting Book Box contributions and the exhibition through our website, social media platforms, print collateral etc. I grant YPRL permission to display my artwork as part of the exhibition, and to use images of it for non-commercial promotional purposes related to the exhibition (e.g., social media, website, press releases). *

In partnership with Banyule City Council. This initiative is supported by ALIA, APLA and delivered in partnership with the Office for Social Cohesion, Department of Home Affairs. 

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