Join us on Monday May 15th for BEMAC Discussions, a free panel discussion tackling the important topic of Traditional versus Contemporary. This conversation will explore the contrast between traditional and contemporary art forms. What does it mean to venture beyond our traditional cultural artforms in artistic expression? Can our art still reflect diversity even when influenced by modern trends and environments?

This is the second in a series of free monthly panel discussions tackling key topics relevant to us as creators and artists from diverse artistic practices, backgrounds, and cultures. This discussion will feature:

T A I T U ‘ U G A (Birth name – KITCH Wesche), a Samoan High talking Chief (Village of Sapunaoa Falealili Aiga Manusamoa) is an EDM cultural songwriter, musician, creative, performer, actor, cultural knowledge exchange agent and community educator. Over the past seventeen years, T A I T U ‘ U G A has performed in the music, arts and entertainment industry, across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Canada as a live beatbox, performer or MC. Strong in Samoan language, T A I T U ‘ U G A weaves cultural stories, neuroscience, and mythological storytelling utilising a fresh fusion of electronic dance music (EDM) hip hop, beatbox loop machine and traditional instruments.

Katrina is a director, screenwriter, facilitator, playwright and activist. She works in many genres including feminist horror. She recently co-directed Bali 2002, a STAN Original drama series which explores the journeys of those affected by the devastating 2002 Bali bombings. She also wrote the cultural safety document for the series. Katrina is known for her inclusive, collaborative directing style. Her empathy and clarity of vision enable her to draw grounded performances from her actors. She believes a director’s role is to take the heart of the story and connect it to the heart of the audience. She speaks and writes about cultural safety on set.

Hailed "one of the freshest feeling projects in Australian music right now” by Happy Mag, Matt Hsu is a 2020 and 2022 QMA winning Taiwanese-Australian composer, orchestra director and anti-racism activist from Meanjin. Matt leads the exhilaratingly kooky 22-piece alt-orchestra Matt Hsu’s Obscure Orchestra. Beginning as his solo multi-instrumental tinkerings, Obscure Orchestra has grown to become one of Australia’s most respected ensembles, collaborating with QPAC, GOMA, Museum of Brisbane, La Boite Theatre, SLQ and Brisbane Powerhouse. Challenging the pomp and formality of classical orchestras, Matt has created a grassroots radically-inclusive ensemble underpinned by community-minded inclusivity, visibility and gender diversity, comprising of BIPOC, First Nations, disabled, trans and non-binary artists.

Nour Shantout is an artist and researcher. She was born in Damascus, Syria in 1991, and she is now based in Vienna since 2015. Her work explores subjugated heritage, counter-memory, counter-history, labour and alienation, from a post-colonial feminist perspective.

The Panel will be hosted by Lamisse Hamouda, a writer, youth worker and theatre performer. Her debut book, The Shape of Dust, will be released July 4, 2023. She is currently based in Meanjin/Brisbane.

Following the panel, BEMAC Discover is an open mic night to celebrate the importance of art, music and creativity in our lives and our community. This space will focus on sharing and testing out new work! We invite artists from all backgrounds and languages to showcase and share! Entry is free… So, bring your instrument, poem, monologue or dance and sign up to take part in the open mic at the door on arrival! Each BEMAC Discover will feature guest performances from some incredible artists in our Brisbane community. Tea and snacks will be provided.

BEMAC Discussions: Traditional versus Contemporary
6:00pm, Monday May 15
Followed by BEMAC Discover at 7:30pm
Queensland Multicultural Centre
102 Main St, Kangaroo Point
Free to attend.