Connection Arts Space
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Acknowledgement of Country
The Connection Arts Space Gallery is located at 1 Walker Street, Dandenong, on the unceded lands of the Woi-wurrung and Boon Wurrung peoples.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and Elders – past, present and emerging, of the Kulin Nation on which we connect and create.
Connection Arts Space recognises Aboriginal connection to material and creative practice on these lands for more than 60,000 years and First Nation peoples’ enduring presence and knowledge.
Meet our Committee.
We love what we do, and we do it with passion.
Larra Juab
Director
I am queer Filipino immigrant, multidisciplinary artist who has been residing and creating work in the land of the Kulin Nation for 10 years now. As an immigrant, I have found solace and feeling of belonging here in the SE Suburbs of Melbourne and I am continually working hard to create, find ways and help people from under-represented communities such as; BIPOC, Immigrants, Refugees, Linguistically and Culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ and Disabled to have more space and opportunity in the arts and community
At this present moment, I am also a Community Arts Worker, and the Business Development Manager and Representative for CAS. I am also still manoeuvring my way through Art School at ACU (Australian Catholic University)
Director
I am queer Filipino immigrant, multidisciplinary artist who has been residing and creating work in the land of the Kulin Nation for 10 years now. As an immigrant, I have found solace and feeling of belonging here in the SE Suburbs of Melbourne and I am continually working hard to create, find ways and help people from under-represented communities such as; BIPOC, Immigrants, Refugees, Linguistically and Culturally diverse backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ and Disabled to have more space and opportunity in the arts and community
At this present moment, I am also a Community Arts Worker, and the Business Development Manager and Representative for CAS. I am also still manoeuvring my way through Art School at ACU (Australian Catholic University)
Nyalat Pel kun
Head of Human Resources
(She/Her)
Nyalat is a proud Nuer woman and Human Resource professional with 3+ years of experience in the Non-for-profit sector. Nyalat joined Connection Art Space (CAS) in 2019 as the Human Resource Coordinator. She believes that the best part of joining CAS is supporting and watching volunteers as they learn, grow and step into their best version of themselves. Another bounce of volunteering for CAS is discovering the many amazing eateries within Dandenong
(Thank you, Andrew + Gen).
Head of Human Resources
(She/Her)
Nyalat is a proud Nuer woman and Human Resource professional with 3+ years of experience in the Non-for-profit sector. Nyalat joined Connection Art Space (CAS) in 2019 as the Human Resource Coordinator. She believes that the best part of joining CAS is supporting and watching volunteers as they learn, grow and step into their best version of themselves. Another bounce of volunteering for CAS is discovering the many amazing eateries within Dandenong
(Thank you, Andrew + Gen).
Andrew Duong
Grants Writer
I'm an artist living on Wurundjeri land and working at Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia as the Media and Communications Officer. I've completed my Bachelors in Business and Visual Arts, and Fine Art (Honours), and I've had the fortune of being part of CAS since it started in 2015. I'm passionate about creating arts opportunities in the south-east and collaborating with creatives in this amazing community that I feel most connected to through football, family and art.
Grants Writer
I'm an artist living on Wurundjeri land and working at Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia as the Media and Communications Officer. I've completed my Bachelors in Business and Visual Arts, and Fine Art (Honours), and I've had the fortune of being part of CAS since it started in 2015. I'm passionate about creating arts opportunities in the south-east and collaborating with creatives in this amazing community that I feel most connected to through football, family and art.
Genivive Townsend
Volunteer Co-ordinator
I am a visual artist and arts facilitator who lives and creates across the unceded lands of the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Peoples. While studying, I stumbled into this amazing opportunity to help co-found Connection Arts Space. Since 2015, I've volunteered in different roles, gained skills, made lifelong friends, and fallen in love with Dandenong's food. I feel so grateful and humbled to be surrounded by incredible people at CAS and in the south-east where I'm continually learning how to be a better ally to underrepresented communities in the arts.
This year, I've joined Artists for Kids Culture as the artsbus Program Manager - an exciting role that sees me driving a mobile arts studio across Victoria to provide arts opportunities to children who might otherwise miss out.
Volunteer Co-ordinator
I am a visual artist and arts facilitator who lives and creates across the unceded lands of the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Peoples. While studying, I stumbled into this amazing opportunity to help co-found Connection Arts Space. Since 2015, I've volunteered in different roles, gained skills, made lifelong friends, and fallen in love with Dandenong's food. I feel so grateful and humbled to be surrounded by incredible people at CAS and in the south-east where I'm continually learning how to be a better ally to underrepresented communities in the arts.
This year, I've joined Artists for Kids Culture as the artsbus Program Manager - an exciting role that sees me driving a mobile arts studio across Victoria to provide arts opportunities to children who might otherwise miss out.
Kyla Yas
Exhibition Co-ordinator
I am an art and culture lover who currently lives in the land of Wurundjeri Peoples. While growing up and spending most of my life in Beijing, my hometown, I got the chance to get great exposure to its rich culture and heritage. That somehow triggered the biggest step in my life, moving to Melbourne for the pursuit of further studies in the stream of Cultural and Creative Industries. I have joined Connection Arts Space since 2020, it’s my honour to be part of this wonderful team, to meet awesome artists and art lovers with a kind heart. My role as an Exhibition Coordinator enables me to understand the stories behind every artwork. “Art is far beyond the 2 Dimension visibility, but the power to stimulate all your sensations and imaginations”.
Exhibition Co-ordinator
I am an art and culture lover who currently lives in the land of Wurundjeri Peoples. While growing up and spending most of my life in Beijing, my hometown, I got the chance to get great exposure to its rich culture and heritage. That somehow triggered the biggest step in my life, moving to Melbourne for the pursuit of further studies in the stream of Cultural and Creative Industries. I have joined Connection Arts Space since 2020, it’s my honour to be part of this wonderful team, to meet awesome artists and art lovers with a kind heart. My role as an Exhibition Coordinator enables me to understand the stories behind every artwork. “Art is far beyond the 2 Dimension visibility, but the power to stimulate all your sensations and imaginations”.
Paulina Zamorano
Marketing Co-ordinator
(She/Her)
As a Freelance Graphic Designer and Visual Artist based in Naarm (Melbourne), my creative practice is centered upon my passion for sustainability and community, due to the privilege I hold as a first generation Australian citizen.
Coming from an immigrant background, my Chilean parents have taught me the value of community, sharing resources and creating space for others. This is why I invest my energy and creativity back into the growth and flourishing of my community.
CAS allows for growth and shared knowledge to flourish. It provides emerging artists of all genres and practises with the tools to begin their journey.
Marketing Co-ordinator
(She/Her)
As a Freelance Graphic Designer and Visual Artist based in Naarm (Melbourne), my creative practice is centered upon my passion for sustainability and community, due to the privilege I hold as a first generation Australian citizen.
Coming from an immigrant background, my Chilean parents have taught me the value of community, sharing resources and creating space for others. This is why I invest my energy and creativity back into the growth and flourishing of my community.
CAS allows for growth and shared knowledge to flourish. It provides emerging artists of all genres and practises with the tools to begin their journey.
Justine Moguis
Finance Co-ordinator
(She/her)
I’m currently in my last semester at Monash University completing a Bachelor of Commerce. As an accounting student, I am constantly surrounded by numbers, ledgers, tables, and Excel functions. However, I also greatly appreciate the arts, particularly film and television. I love movies that get me invested in the story and attached to its characters and leave me feeling like I’ve learned something new. Sound of Metal is one that I’ve watched recently and definitely recommend!
I also like cats, watching YouTube, going for walks, and playing games.
I joined CAS in September 2021 as Finance Coordinator. As an aspiring accountant.
Overall, I look forward to applying my skills to the role of Finance Coordinator and learning more about finance in a non-profit setting. I look forward to gaining new perspectives, getting to know my peers, and asking lots of questions
Previous Committee Members:
2019 - 2020 Andrew Duong, Natalie Artis (Co-founder), Ciara Lynch (Co-founder), Ainslie Peverell, Gen Townsend, Daniel Kerrison, Vicki Jacgung, Tash Brennfleck
2017 - 2018
Andrew Duong, Tahlia Megele, Daniel Kerrison, Mohamed Chamas, Aysha Tea, Isabelle Nguyen, Harveer Dhaliwal
2015 - 2016
Co-Founders: Mehdi Jaghhuri,, Andrew Duong, Gen Townsend, Michelle Clarke, Tahlia Megele, Daniel Kerrison, Mohamed Chamas. With thanks to Business Development mentor, Sophia Kostava..