This cultural spectacular will transform Arts Centre Melbourne's The Show Room into a vibrant celebration of truth, creativity and self-expression for one night only.
Melbourne’s emerging artists of colour will showcase their talents at Beneath the Mask on 25 October as part of Melbourne fashion week.
Beneath the Mask promises to be more than your average fashion show. This cultural spectacular will transform Arts Centre Melbourne’s The Show Room into a vibrant celebration of truth, creativity and self-expression for one night only.
Curated by multidisciplinary duo EPTM, alongside Moz and Urlik Mageza, Beneath the Mask will spotlight Melbourne’s underground scene through an eclectic mix of performances. The evening will feature r’n’b, afro-beat, hip-hop, funk, spoken-word and dance, all backed by a house band that’ll keep the energy flowing throughout the night.
Arts Centre Melbourne – Beneath the Mask
- Where: Arts Centre Melbourne’s The Show Room
- When: Saturday 25 October 2025
- Tickets: On sale Monday 1 September at 10am
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The lineup showcases some seriously talented emerging artists, including Congolese-Australian singer Ketsia, who blends soul, pop and folk into something uniquely her own. Genre-bending powerhouse Missnancy, who’s earned the nickname Melbourne’s Lauryn Hill, will also take the stage alongside a carefully selected group of vocalists, instrumentalists and DJs.
Fashion takes centre stage through partnerships with some exciting local designers. Afro-futurist and eco-conscious label Remuse Designs will dress performers alongside craft-focused fashion house Antiek East and streetwear designer Misplaced.au. Selected pieces will be available for pre-order and purchase after the event, creating ongoing support for these culturally important fashion creatives.
Drawing inspiration from the Congolese Sapeur movement, which has spread from Central Africa to gain worldwide recognition, the event celebrates fashion as cultural expression and social resistance. Much like 19th century Dandyism, Sape combines extravagance and style with deeper meaning, often in challenging circumstances.
Guests are encouraged to dress not as the world expects, but as they truly are. Whether that’s bold, quiet, raw, vibrant or unconventional, organisers want attendees to make visual statements and wear their truth proudly.
Beneath the Mask forms part of Multicultural Arts Victoria’s new Powered By program, which places artists of colour at the centre of creative leadership. The initiative creates space for artists to set their own terms rather than simply seeking representation.
In partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne, this event joins Melbourne Fashion Week’s independent program, offering a fresh perspective on what fashion shows can be.
For more information, head here.
