Six professional arts workers will provide strategic guidance, expert advice, and recommendations to BEMAC’s management team regarding the development, implementation, and evaluation of programming initiatives. 

David Carberry, Ruari Elkington, Bonnie Melrose, Roselle Tenefrancia, Menaka Thomas, and Taitu’uga KITCH Wesche will begin their two year term on the Artistic Advisory Panel from 31 July 2024 following a public appeal to make a difference to the thriving multicultural arts sector in Queensland.

Collectively the panel members will draw from a wide range of skill sets in the creative industries including music, festivals, circus, performance, film, visual art, health and wellbeing, and social justice advocacy to BEMAC’s strategic planning.

BEMAC Producer Eyal Chipkiewicz said “The Artistic Advisory Panel will share their experience, expertise and creative instincts to help us elevate, protect and honour the artists, the artistry and the powerful impact that their work has on our community as a whole.

Artistic Advisory Panel

David Carberry
Since graduating from the Flying Fruit Fly Circus School in 2001, David Carberry has been a dynamic force in the performing arts industry. Currently he is Executive Producer of Wynnum Fringe Festival.
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Ruari Elkington
Chief Investigator with QUT’s Digital Media Research Centre and has published in the field of screen distribution, screen studies and education. Ruari is a Fellow, and Associate Fellow (Indigenous) of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
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Bonnie Melrose
With a key role in the Arts in Health Program at Children’s Health Queensland (CHQ) Bonnie Melrose ensures a diverse range of visual art, interactive creative events and performances provide warmth, support, and engagement to improve the health and wellbeing of children, young people, families and CHQ staff.
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Roselle Tenefrancia
Roselle Tenefrancia is a Filipino-Australian multidisciplinary artist, community connector, and social advocate living and working on the lands of the Kombumerri people (Gold Coast). With a background in communication, human rights and law, she has utilised various creative forms – theatre, drawing, singing, dancing, writing, and poetry – to educate and empower marginalised communities.
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Menaka Thomas
Award-winning Indian-Australian singer Menaka draws on her heritage to write songs that seamlessly blend traditional Indian vocals with contemporary influences. Menaka was the Assistant Producer for the BrisAsia Festival in 2023 and continues to support organisations to coordinate and produce events that showcase diverse talent.
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Taitu’uga kitch Wesche
Taitu’uga KITCH Wesche, a Samoan High Chief bestowed with the Taitu’uga title from his family and village of Sapunaoa Falealili Aiga Manusamoa, is a deeply rooted and innovative songwriter, musician, and performer. With over fifteen years of experience in the music, arts, and entertainment industry, KITCH has showcased his talents across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Canada.
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