MAV Events
Explore the latest happenings, exhibitions and community gatherings. Stay connected to the heartbeat of creativity and cultural offerings.
6-7 December
Art Souk: Get lost in the souk!
FESTIVAL
Two day event
Arts Centre Melbourne
MELBOURNE 3000
An uplifting assembly of performance, installation, conversation, and expression that traverses artforms and lines. Bear witness to impulse creativity and radical acts of unity, situated on one of the world’s oldest meeting places.
Age recommendation:
This event is recommended for ages 18+. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Content Advice:
Themes of togetherness, radical care and creative collaboration.
The Program:
This two-day event includes a free public exhibition and a ticketed evening performance. Conversations and workshops will invite people in through knowledge-sharing and a witnessing of space to spark meaningful dialogue on art, culture and identity.
The free exhibtion will be open from 6:30PM on Day One, and 4:00PM on Day Two. Free tea and snacks will be on offer for those who wander through the Art Souk, served with the warm hospitality of Onur Kurt of O’Khave. Those with tickets to the Evening Performance shall enter The Show Room for an electrifying night of performance from 7:00PM onwards.
Please note, an AUSLAN interpreter will be present for the Being Biracial Live podcast.
Update 4/12: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Mo'ju will no longer be performing at Art Souk. We’re excited to announce that KAIIT will now be joining the line-up on Saturday.
The Artist Line-Up:
An.Other Collective is a community of Muslim female makers, artists, and designers spanning from Sydney and Melbourne.
The collective is an open platform that gathers and weaves the diverse perspectives of individuals and communities to dissolve colonial barriers and reductive misconceptions on matters associated with faith, politics, identity, art and culture.
This is achieved through the collective’s interdisciplinary blend of curatorial strategies and artistic expressions where the instrumental role of domesticity in public life acts as a center stage for new forms of spiritual preservation, collective thought and transcultural coexistence.
AYMAN KAAKE (he/him) is an award-winning Lebanon-born Australian photo-media visual artist currently based in Melbourne's inner northern suburbs. He explores diasporic melancholy and the agony of exile through contemplative portraiture and sculptural, styled poses.
His many accomplishments include being finalist at the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022 and 2023, Featured artist for PHOTO 2024 International Festival of Photography for the outdoor program, the winner of Midsumma and Australia Post Award 2022, the winner of the small Work Art Prize at Brunswick Street Gallery 2022, the recipient of Room to Create residency at Collingwood Yards 2020.
Basma is a Syrian percussionist known for blending traditional Arabic rhythms with contemporary styles, producing dynamic and expressive performances.
Maria Birch-Morunga is a Māori/Pakehā facilitator and craft queen. Kate Robinson is an Iranian/Australian family violence lawyer and artist. Together, they’re two biracial women who are endlessly fascinated by the juggling of cultures, identities, and family gossip that can come with being mixed-race. Their podcast Being Biracial is filled with heartfelt and funny interviews with guests discussing the dualities of living across multiple cultures. Guests include, comedian Lizzy Hoo, AFLW star Darcy Vescio, and musician Jen Cloher amongst many others. Maria and Kate are part of Museum Victoria’s Culture Makers program, where they created a stop-motion animation Threads. The piece explores the small, nourishing ways in which culture can be practised, rooting identity in place and rituals, and is currently exhibited at the Immigration Museum.
Calling all ethnically ambiguous cyborgs of the solar system diaspora, supergreen third culture aliens, and fully automated luxury gay space communists of colour- BELELA is dropping out of her interplanetary orbit to bring you some galactic disco space-cello ultrafunk - get into the groove and let the echoes soothe!
Bexx is a Māori/Ghanian queer woman residing in Naarm. Currently working in the arts industry through a community lens, she has extensive knowledge producing events that collide eager members of society with discussion points that are poignant in today's climate. Outside of this, she has an arts practice of video editing as well as visual projection art for events and club nights (VJ VAXXXX). She has just started back behind the camera, capturing stories that should be archived for future generations to interact with.
She is a firm advocate for land back, First Nations led initiatives and that community support starts from the ground up. Mauri ora!
Ezz Monem (born Mohamed Ezzeldin M. Abdelmonem, 1985) is a photo-based artist from Egypt who lives and works in Melbourne. Monem graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University and worked as a software engineer, but his explorations in visual arts began years earlier. His work has been shown in exhibitions in Egypt, Australia and various other countries in Europe and the Middle East where he has received numerous awards. Monem recently completed a Master of Contemporary Art at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), University of Melbourne.
Ezz Monem is represented by THIS IS NO FANTASY.
Gabriela Isabel Gonzalez is a Naarm-based multidisciplinary artist from Chile whose work spans visual arts, sound production, photography, and broadcasting. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours), a Certificate IV in Photo-Imaging, and a Diploma in Sound Production, Gabriela combines storytelling with diverse mediums. She co-developed Cooking the Continent, a 13-episode series documenting South American cultures through food, which aired globally and streams on Amazon Prime. Her embroidery practice, inspired by Chilean traditions of political resistance, explores themes of feminism, domestic violence, and gender inequality. Gabriela has collaborated with Multicultural Arts Victoria, Creative Victoria, and Footscray Community Arts Centre, engaging across video, photography, poetry, and live visuals.
HALO Vocal Ensemble is committed to delivering transcendent performances that bring together diverse voices from across the city. Each artist contributes their unique style and energy, crafting unforgettable experiences for audiences. With ethereal harmonies and a collaborative spirit, they create a vibrant atmosphere that resonates deeply with listeners.
Join them for a special showcase at ART SOUK 2024 on December 6th and 7th, where they’ll support one of Naarm's most esteemed artists, MOJU, and perform a set alongside MZRIZK. Through each performance, HALO Vocal Ensemble continues to captivate and inspire, demonstrating the powerful role of music in fostering connection and creativity.
Described as "the very definition of culture clash" by Don Letts (BBC 6), Immy Owusu fuses Psychedelia, Zamrock, and West African Highlife into his unique 'Afrodelik' sound. Hailing from Torquay, Australia, Immy's music reflects his dual heritage—blending the coastal rock scene with his Ghanaian roots. In 2016, he deepened his connection to West African music by studying with his grandfather, legendary Palm Wine Highlife musician Koo Nimo. His debut album LO-LIFE!—created with members of Surprise Chef, Karate Boogaloo, and The Senegambian Jazz Band—was praised globally, earning airplay on KEXP, NPR, and Bandcamp Weekly, and accolades like Music Victoria’s 2023 Best Musician. Immy’s electrifying live performances are not to be missed.
As a Lebanese-Egyptian Australian, JACINTA uses her voice to share the beauty of her culture and heritage through music, performing in Arabic on some of the biggest stages she could have only dreamed of, including WOMADelaide and Melbourne’s Docklands NYE. While she grew up singing in English with aspirations of being an R&B artist, embracing her roots has become central to her journey as a musician. Her performances aim to challenge negative stereotypes, showcase the rich history of the Middle East, and introduce audiences to its beauty. Guided by faith, instinct, and a passion for cultural connection, JACINTA sees music as her purpose and a tool to spread awareness, especially during times of injustice.
Julie Ann Minaai and Noriko Tadano join forces to present a unique and powerful performance blending dance, music, and cultural storytelling. Julie, originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, is an international award-winning dancer, choreographer, and artist of Japanese heritage with over a decade of experience in the UK. Known for her interdisciplinary practice exploring immigration, ancestral memory, and cultural identity, she has toured globally and was recently a resident artist at the Immigration Museum and Bowery Theatre in Naarm. Noriko, an award-winning virtuoso of the Japanese shamisen and vocalist, is a boundary-pushing artist who merges traditional Japanese music with innovative sound art and theatre. With a shared passion for cultural connection and storytelling, Julie and Noriko bring together their distinctive artistry to celebrate heritage, identity, and the beauty of difference.
Kaiit, a dynamic Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter, has been hailed as the musical love child of Neo-Soul Queens Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. With honeyed vocals, fierce rhymes, and a bold, eclectic style, Kaiit blends R&B, jazz, and neo-soul with influences from her Papua New Guinean heritage to create a captivating and unique sound.
Kat Zam is a Melbourne-based Greek-Australian content creator who blends humor and storytelling to explore the intersections of her queer identity and cultural heritage. Through her relatable skits about Greek family life, she celebrates her roots while navigating the challenges of reconciling her identity with traditional cultural expectations centered on family and community. After moving to Melbourne to embrace her authentic self, she became an advocate for greater LGBTQIA+ inclusion within Greek communities, emphasizing the need for representation and supportive spaces. Kat’s work inspires others to embrace their identities and find belonging, even within the complexities of multiple worlds.
Keiran Molaeb is a Lebanese queer artist whose work delves into cultural, interpersonal, and familial connections, with a focus on storytelling and the shared experiences of Palestinian and Lebanese communities. Rooted in the concept of ‘cultural roots’—how they expand, intertwine, and connect—his art pays tribute to heritage and memory. A recent Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts, Keiran has exhibited in the Islamic Museum of Australia’s Palestine Through Time and was a shortlisted artist for the 2024 UMSU Art Prize at George Paton Gallery. He has also contributed to local art fundraisers supporting refugee aid and community causes.
Katayoun Javan is an Iranian photographic artist based in Melbourne, Australia. She studied photography at Tehran Azad University and completed an MFA at Deakin University in 2013. Through documentary photography, portraiture, and use of found photos she draws on personal stories to explore notions of memory, home and displacement and the Iranian Diaspora. She is a recipient of artist residencies and fellowships in Australia and has exhibited nationally and internationally.
Marhaba Charbouli is a filmmaker with a distinctive approach to social impact documentaries, blending creativity with a deep commitment to storytelling. Drawing from over 15 years of experience in youth advocacy, community radio, and alternative education, he brings a fresh perspective to film and television. His work attempts to shine a light on under-represented voices, reflecting his dedication to crafting narratives that inspire awareness and change.
Majed Fayad is a Lebanese-Australian multidisciplinary artist based in Melbourne, known for creating immersive installations that merge art direction, graphic design, live sound, multimedia, and custom uniforms. Exploring identity, nostalgia, diaspora, and heritage, his work envisions Arab-Futurism through a diasporic lens, often reimagining spaces like bars or cafés to reflect cultural narratives. Blending historical and contemporary elements, his graphic design practice critiques capitalism, consumerism, mythology, and pop culture. Currently pursuing an MFA (Research) at the Victorian College of the Arts, Fayad has exhibited widely in Melbourne, participated in residencies like Testing Grounds and MPavilion, and is a founding member of Mähallä, a cultural hub for the Middle Eastern, North African, and Anatolian diaspora in Naarm.
Melbourne-based singer Ms. Onur Kurt blends her Anatolian heritage with her Australian upbringing to create a unique sound that fuses traditional Turkish folk, classical, gypsy, and modern psychedelic elements. Inspired by Anatolia’s rich musical traditions, her work reimagines timeless melodies through a contemporary lens, reflecting a vibrant cultural fusion where East meets West. A captivating performer, Onur has graced stages at venues such as Brunswick Town Hall, Melbourne Museum, and Docklands New Year’s Eve, collaborating with musicians from diverse backgrounds to celebrate cultural exchange and innovation. Her music is a heartfelt journey of identity and creative expression.
Lebanese-Australian DJ, broadcaster, and cultural curator MzRizk is a dynamic force shaping Melbourne’s music and arts scene. Known for her deep community ethos, MzRizk’s sound spans house, disco, hip-hop, jazz, soul, and Arabic music, earning her recognition as one of Melbourne's most respected selectors. Her long-running radio show Boogie Beat Suite on PBS 106.7FM and global performances, including sets at Glastonbury and Beirut's KED, highlight her genre-blending approach. As the visionary behind events like Habibi Hafla and Rizky’s Block Party, she advocates for MENA, SWANA, and LGBTQIA+ communities, creating inclusive spaces. Her curatorial work spans iconic exhibitions and cultural collaborations, reinforcing her role as a pioneer uniting music, art, and community.
Taal is a Lebanese multi-instrumentalist who sees music as a form of community and cultural expression. Taal plays percussion in the levant folk tradition whilst pursuing the study of jazz on double bass at the VCA. Their practice is a celebration of culture and the bringing together of people with vibrant and colourful performances.
Camille El Feghali, known as Tarabeat, is a Melbourne-based musician and producer renowned for blending traditional Middle Eastern music with modern electronic sounds. Incorporating Arabic scales, intricate rhythms, and the emotive Tarab style, Tarabeat creates a unique soundscape that bridges Arabic musical heritage and contemporary innovation. Proficient in instruments like the qanun and nay, Camille collaborates widely, including with ensembles like Melbourne's Estudiantina and the Tarabeat x MzRizk project, which fuses Arabic traditions with electronic elements. Through immersive cultural performances such as A’amar, Tarabeat enriches Melbourne’s music scene, celebrating Middle Eastern heritage with a fresh, dynamic edge.
Te Ara Hononga are a not-for-profit traditional Māori weaponry school in Naarm who at our core create kinship amongst community centring family, the revitalisation of our culture, respect for our environment and Traditional Custodians Land and Lores. We provide demos, performances and workshops throughout Naarm. Our teachers and students are outstanding members of the community and leaders within the Arts, Community Development, Education and Health Sectors. Te Ara Hononga's performances are rooted in identity first and foremost delivering ancestral inspiration and power.
thndo (fka Thando), the Zimbabwean-born First Lady of Soul and R&B, is a powerhouse in the Australian music scene. Known for commanding crowds at major festivals like Bluesfest, WOMADelaide, and Woodford Folk Festival, her sold-out shows at Chapel off Chapel have earned rave reviews and standing ovations. With a rich vocal range, powerful lyricism, and smooth instrumentation, thndo’s performances are a testament to her artistry. Her past releases, Digital Love Letters and Life in Colour, explore themes of strength, love, empowerment, and conflict with unflinching honesty. Her upcoming 2025 album, Lessons in Love, continues this journey, featuring hit singles like Fall and 4EVA, blending influences from TLC, Queen, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo to captivate audiences beyond the encore.
Zainab Hikmet is a Naarm-based visual artist specializing in sculpture, installation, and photographic processes. Born in Baghdad and raised in Auckland, her work explores themes of preservation, family lineage, and identity conflicts. A graduate of RMIT’s Master of Fine Arts program, Hikmet has exhibited across New Zealand and Australia and was selected for a residency and exhibition at Singapore’s Tropical Lab at LASALLE College of Arts in 2015. Currently a committee member at KINGS Artist-Run, she continues to contribute to the vibrant art scene in Melbourne.
About the Curator:
MzRizk is a boundary-pushing Lebanese Australian DJ, radio presenter, live performer, and event curator, known for her powerful connection to music and diverse sonic influences.
Raised on a mix of Arabic, Jazz, Boogie, Hip Hop, and Heavy Metal, MzRizk's genre-fluid style reflects her deep passion for sharing music with communities locally and globally.
From her early days recording imaginary radio shows to now hosting the beloved Boogie Beat Suite on PBS 106.7FM, MzRizk has built a career spanning over a decade.
A key figure in Melbourne's music scene, she’s opened for iconic artists such as MF Doom, Fatboy Slim, and Sampa The Great, continuously expanding her impact on stages worldwide.
See also:
About Diasporas:
Art Souk is initiated through MAV’s DIASPORAS program, supported by the City of Melbourne, Creative Victoria and Creative Australia. MAV aims to empower IBPOC artists, foster mutual understanding, and create meaningful connections that extend beyond the event. Art Souk will be a platform for creatives to showcase their experiences and be recognised as essential to a thriving arts ecology.
DIASPORAS is a program created by MAV for, by, and with creatives of colour. This initiative has always been about disrupting old systems and igniting diverse artists to create new works, new networks, and a new arts ecology.
