This year, participants from Minda’s MyPath Day Options Program created 50 beautiful Golden Orbs for display at OzAsia Festival’s Moon Lantern Trail.
Delivered from Minda’s custom-built Lifestyle Precinct, MyPath is a vibrant, inclusive space where participants explore new interests, grow their independence, and connect with community through fun and purposeful experiences. The program includes engaging activities such as pottery, cooking, creative arts, dance, music, and more.
We spoke to James Watkins, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Minda, about the work that went into these gorgeous lanterns.
How have your participants responded to the lantern making workshops?
Participants from Minda’s MyPath program have absolutely loved building the Golden Orbs for the Moon Lantern Trail. This project gave our clients and support staff, each with different skills, abilities and creative talents, the chance to get involved in a meaningful way.
Partnering with this event has enabled Minda to expand on our traditional Day Options program by introducing a new activity that encouraged people with an intellectual disability to try something different, connect with others, and take pride in creating a magical space for the community to enjoy.
Participants were thrilled to be part of OzAsia Festival and to help celebrate international culture in Adelaide. It was especially rewarding for them to have a hands-on experience and get the opportunity to see their work on display at Tarntanya Wama (Pinky Flat).
How does it feel to see all of their hard work come to life for the Moon Lantern Trail?
It’s amazing I love that there are 50 beautiful Golden Orb lights shining in the trees, helping to enhance the Moon Lantern Trail experience for South Australians.
How important are the arts and culture to enriching lives?
Arts and culture are super important for everyone. They give people with an intellectual disability a way to express themselves creatively, explore different cultures, and try out new artistic styles and techniques. Ultimately, art brings people together and helps us build a little more empathy and appreciation for other communities and cultures.
OzAsia Festival is a great example of inclusivity in action, and that’s exactly what Minda is all about.
What is your top pick for the Moon Lantern Trail? Do you have a favourite lantern?
Pingku! Pingku is Kaurna for bilby - I did not know that! I think that's a great example of why an event like this helps to expand our minds, learn new things and discover more about another culture or language. Activations like the Pingku lantern invite us to have those experiences.
View the Golden Orbs and other giant lanterns at Tarntanya Wama (Pinky Flat) until Sunday 26 October.
This free, family-friendly event celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival traditions and stories from across Asia. Follow the trail to an unforgettable OzAsia Festival experience - feast on delicious food, see roving performances, puppetry and live music, and visit our new Moon Garden filled with interactive workshops with Adelaide artists and communities.