Contribute to our 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, we will be providing blank Book Boxes that we are inviting you to transform into miniature buildings to add into the symbolic city at Ivanhoe Library in March 2026.

Each box becomes a canvas for personal narratives and community perspectives, exploring themes such as accessibility, inclusiveness, respect, trust, belonging, civic engagement and resilience.

Whether you draw, paint, collage, sculpt or experiment with mixed media, your creative contribution will help spark conversation and connection.

The Book Boxes are papier mache in construction and measure approximately 11.5 x 3 x 14.5cm and will be delivered to you by YPRL.

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

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.

First name *

Last name *

What is your postal address (to deliver a Book Box to you) *

Phone Number (only used by YPRL staff to contact you regarding this project)

Email Address (only used by YPRL staff to contact you regarding this project) *

Company or Organisation

Your name as you would like it to appear for public display (printed to label your submission)

Are you able to deliver your completed contribution to Mill Park, Eltham or Watsonia Library? *

Yes No (We will contact you to make arrangements)

If yes, which library branch can you deliver to?

Eltham Mill Park Watsonia

What would you like YPRL to do with your Book Box at the completion of the exhibition? *

Return it to me Include it in an exhibition that will travel throughout YPRL in 2026.

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). *

Yes

By submitting this form, I confirm that my submission will not contain any offensive, discriminatory or unlawful content. I also acknowledge that YPRL reserves the right to refuse or remove any artwork.

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.

Contribute to Community Exhibition