The World We Can Build

Role: Lead Artist and Curator – Commisioned by Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries

The World we can build is a creative responce to the childrens book by the same name written by Sally Rippon and Eliza Hull.

Imagine a world built on belonging, respect, access, and inclusion. This is exactly what YPRL and Fleassy Malay asked 400 community members to do. They were then instructed to make a building (from a provided cardboard book shaped base) that would belong in that world.

The respinse was overwhelming with over 300 book-buildings returned to local Libraries with designs ranging from homes to libraries, places of faith, education, social gathering, and many more abstract designs too. The community involved spanned a large diversity of ages, religions, ethnic backgrounds, sexualities and identities. Some were made independantly where as others were made in guided workshops and sessions by the lead artist and members of the YPRL team.

Once the book-buildings were received, Fleassy Malay curated them into a thriving and vibrant city layout with various neighbourhoods and land formations. A large accessible playground element was added by Annie O’Reily (of Lego Masters), and community green spaces and wetlands were also constructed by Fleassy Malay to tie the city together. The final detail of Lego Minifigures brought this inclusive city to life with small scenes and gatherings happening throughout the space.

The exhibiton was installed at Ivanhoe Library and Cultural Hub from 18th – 23rd March 2026.