An Exhibition That Belongs to All of Us

This summer, the Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery at Woodleigh School opens its doors to something new: Threads of Belonging is an exhibition exploring ways the Arts help us connect and belong.

For Woodleigh’s Emma Cleine and Sophie Perez, two renowned artists with different styles and shared values (and energy), the goal is impact and change. As funding cuts on the Mornington Peninsula threaten our strong creative culture, Threads of Belonging invites Australian artists and Woodleigh’s Year 12 students to contribute through an unconventional format, one that brings the collective voice together.

Every artwork is equal – literally. Same size, displayed anonymously, sold at one price. No names, no hierarchy, everyone’s voice belongs and is heard through the work itself. Proceeds will fund a bursary for Woodleigh’s annual Resident Artist Program to kick off in 2026, bringing a professional artist into the school to immerse students in real-world practice.

Overwhelming numbers of artists have registered, believing in Cleine, Perez and the event’s power to create lasting change, locally and beyond. There’s still time - registered artists receive a pack of three A5 cards to submit up to three works. Visitors will experience a physical-only reveal with no digital previews, just the anticipation of lining up, ticket in hand, squinting through the glass to see their next (or first) original art piece. Reputation takes a back seat to the thrill of finding a treasure.

A panel will award one exhibiting artist the 2026 Resident Artist Program bursary, connecting our students and school to community, arts and to each other. Threads of Belonging opens on February 6 at Woodleigh’s Elisabeth Murdoch Gallery. The first event of its kind in any Australian school

Whether you’re contributing work or coming to elbow your way to the front of the line, be part of something that belongs to all of us - and will for years to come. Pull a thread.