Posters of PORTogether is  a community arts project that explores the theme of community wellbeing through messages of connection to people and place. The exhibition tells a story of Port’s transformation while paying homage to its industrial and historic roots. Designers explore messages of connection through a kaleidoscope of ideas, colour and sound. The diverse subject matter is brought together by the theme of community wellbeing, with the five underlying messages of connect, be active, take notice, keep learning and give.
The series of 18 posters were  exhibited in two unique settings throughout January and early February:
 Bay Street window exhibition- available to view 24 hours a day  from  January 5 to 24 and ARTcontained  at Station Pier from February 1-8.
We would like to thank the following Bay Street traders for participating in the window exhibition:
Aagaman, Bayside Movement, The Burger Haus, Elegant Slax, grey&Bliss, Hurricane Handsome, Irene's Dry Cleaning, Melbourne Bakehouse, Melbourne Hotdog House, 99 Bikes, Old Salt, The photo Shop Port Melbourne, Port Melbourne Paint & Wallpaper, Radiant Sol Yoga, Spice Av, Telleish Hair Studio, Tiny Polkadots and Three Four Knock on the Door.
The ARTcontained exhibition was supported by the City of Port Phillip.
You can also hear the designers talk about the inspiration for their posters in the recordings below.

#More than a Port - Aili Lim
I moved from Port Botany Sydney to Port Melbourne a few months ago with my husband as he found a better and more stable job in Port Melbourne  - when I found out I was going to reside in Port Melbourne I was not impressed. Not another industrial suburb. When I visited Port Melbourne for the first time I changed my opinion.  This is the best move. I love the concentrated suburb with all kinds of small businesses and restaurants and only a few minutes cycling to one of the best markets. To me Port Melbourne is not an industrial port it is #More than a Port. I used the # because I want to create an awareness about all Port Melbourne has to offer on social media on twitter and instagram.

Diverse. Colourful. Together.- Amanda Fisher
The idea was sparked by a conversation about knitting which translated into the broader concept of community. Each strand tied together.
I was drawn to the colourful, variegated thread which inspired the knitting project. My Mum took a close-up photo and the poster started to take shape. Inadvertently, I stumbled across a tool in photo shop which created the stylised affect. I like the cartoonish quality but the hands still retain the hint of wrinkles and glimmer of a wedding ring.

 Relax Unwind - Chris Wright
This photo was inspired by the walking track and scenery of Port Melbourne. This is an easy stroll visiting the sites of Station Pier, Princes pier and Sandridge Life Saving Club. Thirty minutes there and back is what I do, day in, day out. I could not ask for anything better.

Look Up Escape – Sally
Look up escape was inspired by a walk in Smith Reserve with a friend. We both love trees and open spaces. I have used a simple photo of a tree to create a strong message.

 Only in Port Melbourne -Peter Oliver
Port Melbourne has many unique features that stamp the area including the remnants of this former jetty. This poster marks one of these historic landmarks. It unmistakeably says only in Port Melbourne.

Ride in Port – Rochelle
For my poster, I chose my new black hybrid bike to contrast with the bay and the sky. It is light, stripped down and cuts the wind. I choose to ride and I like to explore and take in the views but I didn’t choose the arthritis in my knees.

The Spider Bros - Michelle Chan
The Spider brothers like to be active by climbing the web and riding on the flying fox at their favourite place the ‘Dragon Park’ as it is affectionately nicknamed amongst Port Melbourne locals. Bang! Pow! Zap! Garden City Reserve.

Plant Your Way to Wellbeing – A. Turnbull
Three key ingredients of a successful creative process are;
1 Need
For our ninth annual neighbourhood planting a special poster was definitely in order.
2 Preparation
Research, preliminary layouts, draft copy, photo shoot
3 The critical element
Other people sharing their skills with good nature. Educated eyes, fine-tuned hearing, honest reactions.  Thank you POPers for making this such a satisfying project.

It's all about the kids – Carla
Port Melbourne Junior Colts is a family, community-orientated club. The Colts play Sunday mornings in winter, having fun with their friends.  At the same time developing valuable life lessons; team skills, leadership, winning, losing and fitness.

 Knowledge is free at the Library - Bob Newey
Hello, this is Bob Newey here.
I based my poster on the library here at Port Melbourne.
It is a wonderful asset.
The people in there are very skilled and knowledgeable—more than normal librarians because they have to take into account the computer service that they have.
There are about eight computers for use by the community. Sometimes we need a bit of instruction; particularly some of us older folk. The library staff is only too happy to help.
Plus it is a very, very modern (interior) and pleasant building to enter.
The range of books is incredible including large print for older folk having trouble with their eye sight. I also think there is quite a collection of Greek writings, among the books.
It is a very pleasant place to go to.
You can borrow DVDs of movies there as well.
It is all free.
It is a wonderful free library.
Go for it.

The Home of Vegemite -Diana
Port Melbourne the home of Vegemite and great music.

 Keep your dreams alive  - Helena Hanna
Music: Marnie G and Jake S Do I Exist (Flying Away) Composer: Jake S
A young man wakes in the morning,
makes his breakfast whilst bending, stretching and yawning.
Today's the day for his bride to be.
They’re married in a church, it's a simple ceremony.
They plan their dreams and build their home,
life couldn't be better for this young couple in love.
Fifty years have passed him by.
He still remembers that day she died.
He sits alone in his house and cries;
remembering all the dreams they planned and how they were denied.
There is a dim light still shining inside.
He knows he must make a connection to keep it alight.
So he joins a group that dances and sings,
he feels so much better he now has his own set of wings.
He still remembers his young bride to be.
She now comes out in a rainbow for everyone to see.
Keep your flame alight   Keep your dreams alive
Keep your flame alight   Keep your dreams alive
Keep your flame alight   Keep your dreams alive

 Under the Bridge- Chris Wright
This photo is inspired by a place to meet up and hang out. I drive past this place regularly and it seems to be a hidden treasure,  popular with those in the know.

Hard to leave Port- Peter Oliver
Having lived in Port Melbourne for only two year, this poster is a constant reminder of the tourists which flock to this Victorian portal. From my point of view because of the community spirit it would be hard to escape this resort.

Storytime - Michelle Chan
Interactive and engaging play sessions at Port Melbourne Library story time. Technology free. Real books. Real puppets. Real People. Connect.

A better way to enjoy Port - Aili Lim
Beach Street. During our first week in Port Melbourne my husband and I bought our bicycles. I love just cycling along Beach Street and almost everywhere that we go. I even cycle to work.

Just for fun - Carla
Graham Street Skate Park; a great use of space under the Graham Street bridge—for all of the community to use.
It’s freedom.
It’s just for fun.
The street art brightens a dull grey background into a happy, lively, fun place.

Walk my way - Peter Oliver
This is one of our favourite walks in Port Melbourne.
It is a special walk in a special place.
Action everywhere.
Everyone loves this place.