Storytelling Around the Fire

In May 2024, Storytelling Around the Fire lit up the Esperance arts scene, and the Mt Burdett Foundation was proud to make it happen. Led by local writer and facilitator Sarah-Jayne Eeles, this project celebrated Esperance’s identity through a series of creative workshops and a public storytelling event that brought new voices to the stage, literally and figuratively. 

What started as a simple idea to bring people together through the power of storytelling evolved into something much richer. Eight participants came away from the workshops with eleven original stories, including two from Sarah-Jayne herself. These stories weren’t just written, they were performed in front of a live audience, giving the writers not only a platform but a paycheck, too. For many, it was the first time they’d been paid for their creative work. 

“All outcomes achieved and even better than I had hoped. It may sound over the top, but it

felt like the participants thrived doing the project and it was warming to see relationships

created between the participants and the beginnings of a shared network of support with

each other.”

At the Mt Burdett Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of arts and culture, not just as entertainment, but as a catalyst for connection, confidence, and community. Storytelling Around the Fire exemplifies this. It brought people together, developed new artistic voices, and planted seeds for long-term cultural growth in Esperance and beyond.

We’re incredibly proud to have supported this project and look forward to seeing where these stories go next.

To find out more information about applying for a grant through the Mt Burdett Foundation please visit our website: https://www.mtburdettfoundation.org.au/grants