BEMAC Discussions: Why Collectives? (Live and Streamed)

Join us on Monday 5 May for the next instalment in the BEMAC Discussions series, a free panel discussion titled “Why Collectives? The role of the artistic collective in the current arts landscape”. In today’s CALD arts scene, collectives are redefining collaboration, creativity, and community. This panel brings together artists to discuss the power of working collectively—how it fosters innovation, amplifies voices, and shapes the cultural landscape.

Moderated by Dylan Prins, the panel will feature Sirena Varma, Megan Cope, Nejmere and RINA

For those who are not able to physically attend the sessions, BEMAC Discussions will be live streamed on BEMAC’s Facebook page facebook.com/BEMACpresents 

Following the panel discussion, the evening will continue with a performance by creative residents ‘Run Free’, an evocative, improvised performance group comprising poetry, music and movement. Led by slam poet Huda The Goddess and multi-instrumentalist Cieavash Arean, and featuring vocals by Rina, music by Amir Reza Vahdati and movement by The Flood, the group will creatively respond to the theme of the panel with their signature raw, authentic expression of personal and collective stories, deeply rooted in their experiences of revolution, identity, and survival. Through their real-time, dynamic collaboration, ‘Run Free’ reminds us that artists are the historians of our communities, daring to share the uncomfortable truths of our world by a fearless pursuit of truth through creativity.

Panel Bios:

Sirena Varma

Sirena Varma is a multidisciplinary designer with a background in architecture and a decade of experience across graphic design, branding, and exhibition design. She co-founded Twig, an interdisciplinary collaborative offering flexible design solutions for global brands and academic institutions. Her commitment to community care and creative activism also led to Magan-djin Creatives for Palestine, a grassroots collective that unites local creatives in solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Through projects like Blatt & Matonelli, Sirena’s work merges traditional practices with contemporary design, using interdisciplinary collaboration to explore identity, heritage, and the power of collective art making.

Megan Cope

Megan Cope is a Quandamooka artist from Moreton Bay/Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). Her site-specific sculptural installations, video works, and paintings investigate issues relating to colonial histories, the environment and mapping practices. In 2024, she received the Creative Australia Award for Emerging and Experimental Arts and in 2017–19, she was the official Australian War Artist, commissioned by the Australian War Memorial. She is a member of Aboriginal art collective proppaNOW, recipients of the 2022–24 Jane Lombard Prize for Arts and Social Justice, and is represented by Milani Gallery, Meanjin/Brisbane.

Nejmere

Nejmere is a Magandjin-based DJ and co-creator of Yalla Collective – an Eastern Mediterranean collective that focuses on community building and cultural exchange. She has been a member of our music scene for many years, first starting out at 4zzz and now DJing at clubs across magandjin and interstate. As a co-creator of Yalla Collective, Nejmere has felt what it means to create meaningful spaces together and the importance of this work.

RINA

RINA, a singer, songwriter, and poet from Far North Queensland, grew up on the ancestral lands of North-East Arnhem Land, planting her roots in Brisbane. Her soulful sound and captivating storytelling explore themes of love, vulnerability, and personal empowerment. Her music embodies divine femininity, encouraging women to honor their truth and follow the voice of their spirit with conviction. Recently, she released Heal Sistah in collaboration with SOLCHLD – a heartfelt love song dedicated to sistahs in need of extra love and support. As the co-creator of Soul Deep, RINA helps cultivate a space for creatives to explore decolonial and holistic practices, honoring connection, community, and healing through art.

Dylan Prins, Moderator

Dylan Prins is the Founder of Kaju Creative and the host of the Creator Tales podcast, which platforms underrepresented artists. “Kaju” is the South Asian word for Cashews which is probably also his favourite nut. Dylan was born in the UAE to Sri Lankan parents, grew up in Western Sydney, Australia, and completed a 4 year motherland stint in Sri Lanka prior to moving to Magan-djin / Brisbane in 2022. He rekindled his love for filmmaking in Sri Lanka after a 10-year break and started Kaju Creative in 2017 as a digital nomad at the time. He is also an audio engineer in broadcast radio, and closely connected with local community groups such as Pedal Party Magan-djin and Bring a Plate dance. After many years of build up, he has recently stepped on to some stand up comedy stages and now officially has the buzz for it. 

6:30pm, Monday 5 May
Queensland Multicultural Centre
102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point QLD
Free (RSVP below)

There is limited parking at the QMC. We encourage all guests to use public transport. QMC is only a 2-minute walk from the Holman Street Ferry Terminal and bus route 234. You can find more info about how to get to QMC at http://qmc.org.au/visit