Opening Night Speech with Lena Nahlous CEO of Diversity Arts Australia
Opening of Re/JOY and Crafted Liberation at the Australian Design Centre
Speech by Lena Nahlous (CEO, Diversity Arts Australia)
On 22 November, opening night of re/JOY and Crafted Liberation at Australian Design Centre , Lena Nahlous spoke about stories of solidarity and community witnessed in both exhibitions.
Good evening, everyone,
It’s an honour to be here tonight. I’d like to start by acknowledging that we’re gathered on the unceded lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation and pay my respects to Elders past and present, extending that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here tonight. As Australia’s First Peoples, they’re the world’s oldest continuous storytellers, shaping this land through extraordinary culture and art for tens of thousands of years.
My name is Lena Nahlous and I’m from Diversity Arts Australia, the peak national organisation for cultural diversity and racial equity in the arts, screen, and creative sectors.
Tonight, we’re celebrating two powerful exhibitions: Vipoo Srivilasa’s Re/JOY and RK Collective’s Crafted Liberation. These exhibition reflect not only the immense talent of the artists but also the diverse and interconnected stories that shape this land.
At Diversity Arts, we’re committed to making sure the work of culturally diverse artists is supported, funded, and represented. Migration, although often fraught and complex, has profoundly shaped Australia’s identity. As you’ll see tonight, these exhibitions explore these journeys, sparking dialogue and connection.
In Re/JOY, Vipoo Srivilasa reminds us of the emotions tied to objects in our lives. Each of the seven towering ceramic works began with a broken ceramic object - brought from their original homeland - and donated by 7 migrants from across Australia. These fragile objects symbolise the migration journey: leaving home, enduring loss, and rebuilding. Vipoo’s artistry transforms these fragments into joyful celebrations of connection, reminding us that every object—and every person—has a story worth telling.
When I first saw these pieces, they reminded me of my own family’s journey and the fragments of our history and homelands that we carry with us. (at once: fragility and strength)
In Crafted Liberation, initiated by Nila Rezaei, we see headscarves transformed into stadium seats—symbols of resilience and the courage of Iranian women. These playful, striking and powerful works tell the stories of women fighting for freedom and human rights, while showcasing how art can promote equity, sustainability, and solidarity. Through innovative techniques, headscarves are blended with recycled polymers to create unique materials, with each seat carrying the story and strength of the women who donated the scarves.
Both exhibitions challenge us to see beyond objects and materials, reflecting lives, sacrifices, and triumphs. They’re a call to action and a call for solidarity, reminding us that our liberation as women is interconnected globally, and we all have a responsibility to act in solidarity—in this and other areas.
Congratulations to
Vipoo Srivilasa
RK Collective and Nila Rezaei
And to the Australian Design Centre (and specifically Lisa Cahill and team) for their leadership in showcasing art and design that pushes boundaries and sparks dialogue.
And thank you all for being here tonight, to celebrate these important exhibitions, and the artists who produced them.