Raw Initiative is a creative agency based in Geelong, Victoria, dedicated to transforming spaces and amplifying community voices nationwide. Led by renowned artist and designer Bohie Blackwood (née Palecek), Raw brings over a decade of experience in project facilitation, investing in the social fabric of our society through localised space activation.

While Bohie serves as the driving force behind Raw Initiative’s vision, our collaborative approach allows us to engage artists, local government, thought leaders, workshop facilitators, and community groups to bring each project to life. Our commitment is to improve the wellbeing of a place, space, or community, through deeply considered designs and layered conceptualisations.

Our commitment to creating meaningful impact is at the heart of everything we do. We specialise in campaigns and projects that not only engage and inspire but also align with broader social and environmental goals. By fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we deliver work that bridges divides, sparks dialogue, and leaves a lasting impression on both communities and stakeholders.

We Are: Research-driven, Conceptually considered, deeply Committed to Driving Positive Change

We blend a people-first approach with a big-picture perspective, using a research-driven process to create meaningful, community-led projects. By engaging with local focus groups and gathering insights directly from the field, we craft solutions tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of every project.

With over a decade of experience, we’ve collaborated with a diverse range of clients—from at-risk youth groups to corporate teams. For our corporate partners, we bring a bespoke approach to every commission, ensuring each project reflects their brand identity, values, and aspirations in ways that are both visually impactful and culturally resonant. Whether it’s murals and space activations, team-building workshops, or digital illustration and design, our work is always inspired by and deeply connected to the communities we serve.

MEET THE HEAD HONCHO. 

Raw Initiative is a deeply collaborative effort.
Our main collaborators and design partners are coming to this page soon.

BOHIE BLACKWOOD

Founder, Lead Artist, Project Facilitator, Creative Director, Mentor

Artistic merit aside, Bohie is a Creative Strategist, and Sustainability-Focused Designer with expertise in participatory design and environmental science communication.

Through her work with Raw Initiative, she empowers communities and corporate groups by co-creating and delivering innovative design solutions that amplify marginalised voices, and drive sustainable change. Yep, she’s the driving force.

With a background in graphic design, street art, traditional sign painting, traditional craft, and a strong focus on collaboration, Bohie specialises in:  

  • Designing impactful public art projects

  • Facilitating community workshops

  • Crafting communication campaigns for social and environmental causes 

As our creative director, she integrates human-centered design, behavioral psychology, and systems thinking to address complex challenges at the intersection of art, sustainability, and community empowerment.