Launching brave ideas: 'We want people to try new things'

Navigate Arts artistic director Louise Morris and technical artist and production manager Matthew Scott are using the bush backdrop of the old Tanja church to create an "immersive universe", with everything from live music and visual art exhibitions to project development with local and visiting artists.

"A church is a gathering place, whether it's religious or not, so it's about opening that gathering energy up again," Ms Morris said.

"I'm drawn to this whole coastline."

The May 25 launch of the space will feature rule-bending duo The Blue Angel and Dr Wiedemann, The Gadflys' Philip Moriarty, Melanie Horsnell, poet Gabrielle Journey Jones and dance troupe Mica Mahani and the Haniyami.

"The ultimate goal is for it to feel like a hub where people can throw ideas around," Ms Morris said.

"We want to collaborate with everybody."

The village's first church was destroyed by unknown arsonists in 1888, and the current building was named St Paul's School Church in 1899, where it became the centrepiece for colonial arts and culture.

Since the 1990s the space has been a private residence and hosted Narek Gallery for over ten years, so the pair are looking to open it back up to the public with a focus on artistic innovation.

"There's going to be an emphasis on creating new and original innovative performances," Ms Morris said.

"We want people to try new things, new songs or new performances."

The former lecturer in arts performance at Melbourne's Deakin University and Canberra Independent Artists founder, has had many students go on to perform around the world.

"Now it's about forging new relationships, collaboration and developing my own work," she said.

Mr Scott has worked with Disney, the Museum of Old and New Art, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

"It was time for a change, and to get back to basics and drive our own creative projects,' Mr Scott said.

"I'm enjoying learning again."