forge founder launch + Feb update
For those of you who have been watching on, listening in, or physically here in the rooms of recent Forge events, you will have seen The Forge Institute growing from a promise and concept into a living, breathing creative community.
February has marked a real shift in our progress, and I wanted to share some key updates with you.
PAINT METHODS : 4 WEEKS
Last night we wound up the final session of our four-week paint methods workshop series.
The growth in skill and confidence across those weeks was so encouraging to see, and the feedback from parents & students was overwhelmingly positive. On top of that, the sense of community that developed in the room has been even more encouraging... It is, for me personally, one of the real intentions behind these spaces, and the evident benefit of age-bridging workshop spaces, where younger and older creatives work alongside one another. We’re already exploring how this can continue in a more permanent format.
PHOTO 101 : DAY INTENSIVE
We recently ran our Photography 101 course with eight students across the day, covering everything from the most foundational elements of how cameras actually work and what core functions within photography such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO actually mean, through to composition principles and how to shape the look and feel of an image. It was a great day filled with practical learning and participants left with a solid foundation to continue their own personal exploration.
FORGE FORUMS #2
Earlier this week we held Forge Forum #2, an open discussion space for shaping what The Forge becomes. The evening was honestly amazing. The energy, excitement, and engagement from everyone who attended was exceptional. We made some really informative headway on several aspects of The Forge planning. These forums are quickly becoming one of the most meaningful parts of what we do to ensure we stay relevant and in-touch with young people's needs from a space like this. We will be running another forum on Tuesday week, as there was several people keen to attend who couldn't.
Behind the scenes, it has also been an intense fortnight of building foundations...
I think I have probably clocked over 20,000 words written just this week 🤯
In a nutshell:
The full Business Plan is complete and under board review
Our Social Impact Measurement Framework is finalised
A suite of governance and child safety policies have been written and refined, including code of conduct, induction documentation, forge crew declarations.
Our Education Ambassador program has officially launched, connecting Dandegong Ranges & surrounding suburbs schools directly in with our lead Education Ambassador and Child Safety Officer, Alesha. This means Forge news and programming updates can now be shared into school environments directly from creative arts and student wellbeing teachers.
A swath of QOL updates such as a new "official" Forge mobile number, text messaging services to parents & students, a new digital social platform (fluxer) that is self hosted for safety and will become TFIs digital community space.
We are in the final stages of our application for Social Traders accreditation as a recognised Social Enterprise.
Negotiations with Yarra Ranges Council regarding the Tin Shed as a potential permanent home are progressing constructively
There is still significant heavy lifting ahead but as time passes, workshops run, and as I push through the bureaucratic sea, the direction of how The Forge places itself in the community becomes clearer, and the foundations strengthen.
And with all that progress
comes an invitation...
Today, we’re launching our Forge Subscriber package
(think 3MDR / RRR / PBS subscriber packs).
For our first year, we’re calling it the Forge Founder Subscription.
This is a way for those who believe in what we’re building to stand behind it in a tangible, practical way, something many of you have asked about.
By becoming a Forge Founder subscriber, you directly support:
Youth-led creative programs
Artist-run workshops and mentorship
Community exhibitions and events
The development of a permanent creative home
2026 Forge Founder subscribers receive:
A limited-edition Forge Founder enamel pin.
A Forge bumper sticker.
Digital/physical copy of 2026 Fever Dream Magazines.
Priority updates and early access to selected events.
Recognition as a foundational supporter in our digital and future physical ledgers.
For those who wish to contribute more actively, whether through volunteering, teaching, joining subcommittees, or contributing to governance and direction, there is an optional Membership Add-On, which formally submits your application to become a member of The Forge Institute Incorporated Association.
This isn’t a donation drive.
It’s not simply a transaction.
It’s a statement that creative spaces matter.
That young people deserve somewhere to belong.
That community-led arts initiatives are worth backing early.
The first year of anything defines its culture.
Forge Founder subscribers will always be part of this origin chapter, alongside those who supported our earliest steps through Seed Funding contributions that have brought us, and me personally, this far.
If you feel called to stand with us in Year One, we would be honoured to have you, and if you know others who may feel the same, please share these details.
As we step into March I will be mindful to continue updating all of you who have connected to this network. I also have a more targeted email that will go out to those who have already expressed interest in helping more in various capacities today - if you don't receive this and are keen to assist or get involved don't hesitate to reply here and request to be included in that list.
Tread softly,
Brent Dakis
President & Founder
The Forge Institute Inc.
