A fresh wave of energy is rolling into the local arts scene as YIRRAMBOI locks in a new co-leadership model to guide its next era.
YIRRAMBOI begins its next chapter with new festival leads as Artistic Lead Sherene Stewart and newly appointed Co-Lead and Executive Lead Emily Wells join forces in a shared structure designed to place community at the centre of every decision.
The shift follows the departure of long-serving co-lead J-Maine Beezley, whose work over many years helped shape the festival into one of the country’s most significant First Nations creative platforms.
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YIRRAMBOI begins its next chapter with new festival leads by partnering Stewart’s artistic vision with Wells’ experience across producing, access initiatives and sector development. Their combined approach aims to support bold new ideas, long-term community engagement and deeper opportunities for First Nations artists. The festival’s leadership evolution also reflects a growing focus on collaborative decision-making rather than a top-down model, setting the tone for how YIRRAMBOI plans to grow in the coming years.
“Since attending the inaugural YIRRAMBOI Festival in 2017 led by Jacob Boehme, I have been so inspired by the festival, its bold and purposeful program, and its ever-increasing international impact,” Wells says.
“Joining the team in 2022 felt like a full circle moment – an opportunity to give back to a festival and a community that truly transformed my practice and reaffirmed the power of First Nations arts. I feel overwhelmingly honoured to stand alongside Sherene in her role as Artistic Lead, and with the community who have and continue to make YIRRAMBOI the powerhouse platform that it is.
“YIRRAMBOI is a festival like no other. It nurtures artists, sparks bold ideas, and brings community, culture, and creativity together in ways that create ripple effects far beyond the festival itself. I don’t take on this responsibility lightly, and am so excited to build on its rich legacy – one that reclaims how our art is defined, showcases work that is bold and transformative, and continues to lead the way in shaping the future of our sector.”
Now gearing up for the future, YIRRAMBOI is preparing to expand its reach across Victoria while strengthening national and international relationships. Its next phase will continue amplifying emerging voices, nurturing experimental work and supporting artists whose practices push creative boundaries.
The festival’s refreshed direction also reinforces its commitment to cultural responsibility, with Stewart and Wells aiming to build structures that value community knowledge, celebrate innovation and create long-lasting pathways in the arts.
As YIRRAMBOI steps into this new era, its leadership is focused on building a platform that both honours its history and embraces the future with a sense of collective momentum.
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