Turning Waste into Toys - by the City of Melbourne's ArtPlay

The Future of Toys workshop series and exhibition invites children to reflect on their lives, their city and their future, and question consumer choices associated with toys, plastic and play.

In the lead up to the exhibition, participants have worked with artists and industrial designers, pulling apart pre-loved toys and re-purposing the raw materials to create original designs that offer philosophies on a new way of life.

Using emerging sustainable technologies, including 3D printing, children have created 20 unique inventions to exhibit - all with their own unique stories to tell.

Artist Ben Paul said the idea behind the project is supporting young people to feel a sense of agency when facing their future.

“Toys are often designed by adults to help us practice and rehearse ways of living. What if they were made by young people? How might this shape the future?

“Through this work, we think about the waste our city is producing and learn ways of being resourceful by turning this waste into valuable resources. We will think about what human skills and qualities will make a better world and make something that might make this a reality.

“Waste is full of stories, and narratives of past use. It’s bound to our consumptive ways of navigating life. I love using it as a vehicle for conversations, around what we value in society and what we could do differently. I’m looking forward to giving the stage to young people, to take this conversation to a place they think is important.”

Future of Toys workshop series
Date: 9, 10, 24 & 31 July
Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: $50
Recommended for children aged 7 to 12.

Future of Toys Exhibition
Date: 30, 31 July
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm (session 1) and 1.30 - 3.30pm (session 2)
Cost: Free, no booking required
Recommended for children aged 6 years and above.