BEMAC Discussions

A free panel discussion about the grief that migrants experience and how artists and musicians turn it into creativity featuring: Anis, Lisa Tran Kelly, Anisa Nandaula, Nasim Khosravi and Huda the Goddess (Moderator).

A free panel discussion about spiritual and mental health, culture, storytelling and the experiences of First Nations’ artists featuring Aunty Chantay Link, Allirah Fisher, Kristal West, Will Oui and moderated by Rachael Sarra.

A free panel discussion about the notion of multiculturalism in the context of the arts in Australia. Is it relevant? Does it allow for meaningful and respectful engagement? Can it be taken seriously in the context of arts programming? Featuring Sebastian Flynn, Jenae Tien Jenkins, Zulya Kamalova (The Boite, Victoria), James E McKinnon (MAV, Victoria) and Eyal Chipkiewicz (Moderator).

In an increasingly interconnected world, the concept of home transcends physical borders. A thought-provoking discussion about the multifaceted experiences of diaspora, exploring themes of nostalgia, cultural identity, and the search for belonging.

Artists often blur the lines between the public and the private, through sharing personal stories and experiences, both their own and other people’s. A thought-provoking discussion about the ethical considerations artists face when sharing deeply personal stories through their creative expression.

Art has always been a powerful medium for exploring identity, challenging norms, and expressing diverse experiences. A thought-provoking discussion on how the creative voices of queer artists from culturally diverse backgrounds navigate their identities through their artistic practices.

How do the arts shape and safeguard cultural heritage? Join a dynamic panel of artists as they explore the power of storytelling, performance, and visual expression in keeping traditions alive. Engage in thought-provoking discussions on memory, identity, and the evolving role of the arts in preserving cultural narratives.

In an increasingly interconnected world, artists are forging creative partnerships beyond borders. This panel brings together international artists to discuss the challenges and rewards of transnational collaboration—how it shapes artistic practice, fosters cultural exchange, and builds global communities.

Join us on Monday August 25th for the next instalment in the BEMAC Discussions series, a free panel discussion titled “The Language of Displacement”. How do artists express the experience of being displaced, whether through migration, exile, or diaspora? This panel discussion brings together artists whose work navigates memory, identity, and belonging across borders. Through... Read more »

What does it mean to create in the moment? A free panel exploring the role of flow and improvisation in artistic practice across disclipines.

The intersection of heritage, care and co-design in contemporary art practices. A panel discussion on meaningful ways to engage communities.