Welcome to LAB RATS!
ILA is excited to announce our 2026 series of hands-on workshops with a focus on creative tech, shared learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.
——————————-
CALLING ALL ARTISTS, CREATIVES AND CURIOUS MINDS.
Join us for a special Lab Rats session with ALEX FRAYNE and MELISSA LEE as part of ILA’s reimagined creative tech program. This hands-on workshop invites participants into the intersection of analogue photography and digital art, exploring how traditional film techniques can merge with cutting-edge technology to create new immersive experiences. Alex will demonstrate the process of shooting and developing film on the road — even showcasing how to process a roll of film if running water allows — before discussing the transition from analogue to digital through scanning, editing, and collaboration.
Who is ALEX FRAYNE?
ALEX FRAYNE has been involved in film and images from his earliest school days. Beginning with an 8mm camera in hand he has continued his love affair with visual media ever since. His stills photography work has earned acclaim, and his work is held in galleries including the National Portrait Gallery (two images in the Permanent Collection). He shoots mainly analogue film formats, including 6x6cm, 6x9cm and 35mm formats.
Who is MELISSA LEE?
Drawing on formative years in Seoul, Tehran, and Sydney and professional chapters in Amsterdam and Los Angeles, Melissa brings a global perspective to her work in immersive storytelling. With a background spanning documentary filmmaking, advertising, cultural events, and large‑scale immersive art, she has created immersive experiences with partners such as Vivid Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Disney, Dubai Expo, Invictus Games, Biennale of Sydney, and Fondation Cartier.
An award‑winning filmmaker with work supported by SBS, Sundance Institute, and Japan Foundation, her documentaries have screened internationally across 11 countries.
At ILA, Melissa’s cross‑disciplinary practice informs her approach to crafting immersive films—blending narrative, technology, and physical environments to shape emotionally resonant, multidimensional audience experiences. Melissa is the Director and Producer of the MANIFEST DESTINY immersive experience.
——————————-
Artist Links:
ALEX FRAYNE
Website: www.fusionjazzer.com
Instagram: @alex.frayne
MELISSA LEE
Website: https://melissa-lee.com/
Instagram: @melissa.looking.at.things
FREE entry with registration
Doors Open = 5:00pm
Artist Workshop = 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Networking = 7:00pm – 7:45pm
Close = 8:00pm
——————————-
Requirements: Participants are encouraged to bring any device capable of recording and playing back sound—such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop. No specific software is required.
This workshop is suitable for creators interested in exploring the relationship between sound, memory, and body—whether from a background in theatre, performance, dance, or sound design. No prior experience with sound technology is necessary.
——————————-
What is Lab Rats?
Lab Rats is ILA’s public program focused on creative tech, shared learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration as a series of workshops, artist presentations, networking sessions, and discussion panels.
With an emphasis on developing creative communities, Lab Rats fosters a network of emerging and established artists, providing opportunities for participants to upskill, reskill and learn new skills, build portfolios and make connections that expand creative and career prospects within the creative industry.
——————————-
The Lab acknowledges that we are meeting, creating and working on the traditional land of the Kaurna People. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage beliefs and relationship with the land. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future.
Presented by
Supported by
