Activation Lab

A hands-on program helping you translate creativity into culture and community.

Through the program, you’ll learn how to design, plan, and promote an activation—then receive support to bring it to life. You can participate in the Activation Lab as an individual or a group.

A core benefit of the Activation Lab are the relationships and networks you'll build with other participants. We take applications to ensure your cohort will include people with diverse backgrounds and skills to meet and learn from. Above all, we're looking to bring together complementary perspectives with the potential to develop Canberra's unique culture.

The Activation Lab is made possible by the support of the ACT City Renewal Authority. It is facilitated by an expert team: Dr. Camilo Potocnjak Oxman, Chips Jin, Miriam Slater, and Blank Founder Elvis Gleeson.

Get Notified for winter 2026
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Program Structure

Workshop 1

DESIGNING ACTIVATIONS

Learn how to conceive activations. Build the story of your activation, envisioning what it is, who it is for, and why it is valuable.

Workshop 2

PRODUCING ACTIVATIONS

Learn how to produce activations. Give an identity and shape to your activation, planning its practical delivery and fabrication.

Workshop 3

PROMOTING ACTIVATIONS

Learn how to brand your activation and craft a compelling message to attract audiences and obtain stakeholder support.

Workshop 4

SHARING YOUR
ACTIVATION

Present the activation you have developed through the program to expert guests who will offer feedback and share helpful networks.

Live Environment

HOST YOUR ACTIVATION

Blank will assist you as you take everything you’ve worked on during the Activation Lab and go host your activation in Canberra City!

Activation Lab Team

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(he/him)
Program Designer and Lead Facilitator

Camilo is a future-oriented designer, passionate educator, and DJ with two decades of experience across the private, public, academic, and social sectors. He holds a PhD in design entrepreneurship from ANU, and has supported emerging creatives through his teaching and the Stir microgrants program.

Dr. Camilo Potocnjak Oxman

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(they/them)
Program Co-Facilitator

Chipz is an artist, advocate, and creative for social change; working as a contracted actor at the Mill Theatre. Chipz maintains a trauma-informed teaching practice, developed from  an academic background of graduate and postgraduate studies in psychology and  education, and a practical background in advocacy and activism.

Chipz Jin

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(they/them)
Program Co-Facilitator

Miriam is a Canberra based Queer interdisciplinary artist who works primarily with theatre, comedy and live art. With an Honours in Visual Arts from the Australian National University, Miriam has since performed and directed nationally and internationally. Locally, Miriam co-hosts the regularly sold out The Noosh.

Miriam Slater

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Elvis Gleeson

(he/him)
Program Catalyst

Elvis Gleeson is a forward-thinking leader in creative and community development. He is the founder of Blank Cultural Plaform and holds a PhB in Philosophy from the Australian National University. A published author at age 17, he writes textbooks for schools and his speaking engagements include appearances on SBS Insight and at the London School of Economics.

“The Activation Lab was amazing. It taught me the skills to create engaging experiences. I found community in other participants and was encouraged to think outside the box when conceiving events. The program’s support was invaluable and I feel confident in hosting my upcoming activation.

Kiki Laguna, Cohort 00

A person with pink hair and glasses, wearing a Boy Scouts jacket, is seated at a table and engaged in conversation with a man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a patterned shirt. There are notebooks and personal items on the table.