Now on display! Students from Nepean School, a specialist school in Seaford, have created a series of heartfelt short films using soundscapes, music and shadow puppetry – now on public display at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Smorgon Family Plaza until 31 August.
As part of the long-running Stories in the Wall program, specialist school students from Nepean School in Seaford have created a series of captivating short films using music, soundscapes, and shadow puppetry – now proudly displayed for the public until 31 August 2025.
This year’s theme, “Secret Surprises,” marks the first time the program has been tailored specifically for a specialist school, offering students aged 5 to 18 the opportunity to work with professional artists and bring their personal stories to life through film. The result is a heartwarming, visually engaging exhibition that speaks to the power of inclusive arts education.
Over 11 years, Stories in the Wall has connected Victorian primary schools with professional creatives to guide them through storytelling workshops. Students typically produce radio plays, but in this special edition, the young artists from Nepean School ventured into visual storytelling using shadow puppets and original soundtracks.
Students worked alongside some of Australia’s leading creatives, including sound designer Di Drew, puppeteers Sarah Kriegler and Tim Sneddon from Lemony S Puppet Theatre, and filmmaker Zi Gul Sadeqi, who captured and edited the puppet creations into short films.
“It is a rare and special opportunity to have your storytelling publicly displayed amongst the stages and collections at Australia’s largest performing arts centre,” said Delsa Evotia Tuitea, Program Manager for Stories in the Wall. “Through their dedication in the workshops, the students from Nepean School have more than demonstrated they deserve this moment in the spotlight.”
The result is a deeply moving and creative exhibition – a testament not only to the students’ imagination but also to the importance of accessibility in the arts. Music Therapist Samantha Allen-Craig described the experience as one of the most inclusive arts programs she’s encountered, noting the joy and authenticity in the students’ participation.
For Di Drew, this year’s program also came full circle. Once a student composer in the program herself, she returned this year as a lead sound facilitator: “Making music with the students at Nepean School was an absolute honour and a joy. I’m really excited for audiences to experience the magic too!”
Free to view, this beautiful installation showcases inclusive storytelling at its best. Don’t miss it next time you’re in the city!
📍 Smorgon Family Plaza, Arts Centre Melbourne
📆 Now showing until 31 August 2025
🎟️ Free
🌐 More info: artscentremelbourne.com.au
Melbourne with Kidz (MWK) 
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