Hosted by: Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, The University of Melbourne
8.30am to 5pm, 10 April 2026
In-person only: The Ian Potter Southbank Centre, 43 Sturt St, Southbank VIC 3006
Chaired by: Jane Davidson with Creativity and Wellbeing Research Initiative Committee

In the context of rising youth mental health issues and recent changes to social media age requirements, the Creating Wellbeing: Youth, Arts, and Mental Health conference aims to explore the integration of creative practices into Australian youth support systems. Plenary sessions, presentations, workshops and performances explore how we include youth in co-creation, measure impact and ensure equitable access for diverse young people.

Featuring leading arts and health researchers and practitioners from ACAP University College, Black Dog Institute, Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, CoHealth, CREATE Centre, Griffith University, Ilbijerri Theatre Company, James Cook University, La Trobe University, Melbourne Theatre Company, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Orygen, Playback Theatre, Polyglot Theatre, RMIT, SAE University College, Support Act, The Push, University of Auckland, University of Melbourne, University of Newcastle, University of Technology Sydney, Victoria University and more.

We are proud to introduce our keynote panellists, offering educational, clinical and community perspectives on the conference topic.

Michael Anderson is Professor of Creativity and Arts Education at the University of Sydney and Co-Director of the CREATE Centre at the University of Sydney. An internationally recognised leader in school transformation, his work focuses on how creativity can drive educational change. His most recent book is How Schools Transform.

Senior Research Fellow at Orygen, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Louise La Sala investigates the complex relationship between social media and youth mental health. She brings specialised expertise in strategies to promote online safety and prevent self-harm and suicide among young people.

Craig Rogers is an experienced cultural leader with more than 20 years across Australia’s arts sector, spanning festivals, public art, music, youth arts, venue management, and cultural policy. His work also intersects with community health, gender violence prevention, community development, and emergency recovery. He is currently Head of Programs at The Push.