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 of the Kulin Nation.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and Elders – Past and present 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 that continues to nurture the Land, Water and Space we share.
Meet our Committee.
We love what we do, and we do it with passion.
Larra Juab
Advisor
(She/Her)
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.
Advisor
(She/Her)
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.
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
(He/Him)
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
(He/Him)
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.
Ivan Wong
Volunteer Co-ordinator
(He/Him)
I am responsible for engaging volunteers and making sure volunteers are available when exhibitions and events are up. Celebrating every endeavor that makes great art accessible to the community.
I like how CAS is able to gather like-minded people together and deliver enormous artistic value to the community. It's such an honor for me to contribute to CAS in supporting emerging artists and showcasing the hidden stories of the CALD community. Surely we will keep up the good work
Volunteer Co-ordinator
(He/Him)
I am responsible for engaging volunteers and making sure volunteers are available when exhibitions and events are up. Celebrating every endeavor that makes great art accessible to the community.
I like how CAS is able to gather like-minded people together and deliver enormous artistic value to the community. It's such an honor for me to contribute to CAS in supporting emerging artists and showcasing the hidden stories of the CALD community. Surely we will keep up the good work
Sam Kariotis
Exhibition Co-ordinator
(He/They)
I'm a sculpture and collage artist from Naarm/Melbourne with over 5 years experience as a practicing artist, with a love of niche folklore, religion and theatrics. My work is heavily inspired by my 13 years growing up in a private Catholic all girls school, as well as my fixation on various forms of Paganism and Catholicism. I've got a BA Fine Art under my belt, and am also currently studying my graduate diploma of arts and cultural management. I've been a curator and program manager for just over 3 years, and I love bringing artists together to create interesting conversations through their works, and I have a deep love for accessibility and sustainability through local art initiatives. CAS is such an important space to me and I can't wait to co-ordinate more great exhibitions!
Exhibition Co-ordinator
(He/They)
I'm a sculpture and collage artist from Naarm/Melbourne with over 5 years experience as a practicing artist, with a love of niche folklore, religion and theatrics. My work is heavily inspired by my 13 years growing up in a private Catholic all girls school, as well as my fixation on various forms of Paganism and Catholicism. I've got a BA Fine Art under my belt, and am also currently studying my graduate diploma of arts and cultural management. I've been a curator and program manager for just over 3 years, and I love bringing artists together to create interesting conversations through their works, and I have a deep love for accessibility and sustainability through local art initiatives. CAS is such an important space to me and I can't wait to co-ordinate more great exhibitions!
Paulina Zamorano
Marketing Co-ordinator
(She/Her)
Wearable Artist working and living on unceeded Boonwurrung land, Naarm (Melbourne), my creative practice is centered upon my passion for sustainability and community.
Coming from an immigrant background, my Chilean parents embedded 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)
Wearable Artist working and living on unceeded Boonwurrung land, Naarm (Melbourne), my creative practice is centered upon my passion for sustainability and community.
Coming from an immigrant background, my Chilean parents embedded 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.
Marcel Renardi
Finance Co-ordinator
(He/him)
Currently working full time after just recently graduating from my degree at Monash University, where I studied Finance and Accounting. Outside of work, I enjoy watching films, playing games, finding good foods to eat around the city, and engaging in sports such as rock climbing.
I joined CAS back in September 2022 as a Finance Coordinator. Personally, as a Finance graduate I have always been intrigued with numbers and money, which is why I am excited to be the Finance Coordinator for CAS. One of the main things that I am looking forward to in this role is to get to know fellow volunteers, and also being a part of a team that helps create a positive impact around the community.
Previous Committee Members:
2020 - 2021 Andrew Duong, Gen Townsend, Larra Juab, Justine Moguis
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..