In 2023, I’m freelancing as a writer, editor, producer, marketer and copywriter. I’m open to collaborative and project-based work depending on passion zones and schedule availability ~ hmu on mariamarcilla@gmail.com
CURRENT COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS – MID-LATE 2023
Co-Project Lead and Lead Writer (with Nithya Nagarajan),
Equity—Builder, Arts House, Melbourne (out Oct 2023)
The Equity—Builder is a 10-year roadmap and digital knowledge-sharing platform committed to anti-racism and pro-equity justice in the arts sector. (out Oct 2023)
Guest Editor (with Nikki Lam), Issue 33: Complicity fine print
(out Nov 2023)
Issue 33: Complicity is a guest-commissioned issue featuring five new written works that explore our social, cultural and ethical radiuses to complicity, accountability and presentism.
Co-Chair (with Sarah Hibbs), Runway Journal, Australia
Runway Journal is an open-access digital platform that commissions, cultivates and preserves experimental practices and critical writing. Established in 2002, Runway is one of Australia’s longest-running artist-run initiatives and publishes a growing constellation of writers, artists, cultural workers, designers, academics, coders, art historians, and community collectives. (Issue 47: MMORPG out Oct 2023)
PAS Open Mentor (with Diego Ramirez), Online
Parramatta Artists’ Studios Open is a short-term online residency that provides artistic and industry based mentorships to four mentees based in New South Wales. The intensive residency covers professional development, studio processes, ideas testing, and knowledge-sharing. (June-July)
House-keeper (with Mason Kimber), Magenta House, East Redfern
Magenta House is a private home in Redfern that opens its doors to intimate talks, eating sessions, music events, test kitchens, and an arts & culture library. Our voluntary-run programs occur on a rolling basis, evolving its roster to meet the cadence of its hosts and cross-field collaborators. Visiting times and formats will remain chummy due to the domestic nature of our premises, with guests and cohorts participating by invitation and communal submission.
EDUCATION
2006 Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours, School of Arts, Griffith University
Awarded Griffith University Honours Scholarship
2004 Bachelor of Creative Arts, School of Arts, Griffith University
Double Major in Contemporary Arts (Theory & Practice) and Writing. Minor in Journalism and Public Relations. Received Academic Awards.
2000 Certificate in Public Relations, School of Journalism, Communications and Public Relations, Griffith University
KEY APPOINTMENTS & ROLES
Apr 2007 -current: Arts and culture manager and consultant.
Zones of practice: Community Engagement, Arts Programming, Communications & Marketing, Arts Programming, Writing/Editing / Digital Strategy, Exhibitions Management ~ Sydney / Melbourne / Online
February – May 2023: Arts Development Manager, Accessible Arts ~ NSW/ACT (short-term)
June 2020 – Feb 2023: Communications and Engagement Manager
4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art ~ Sydney
2022-current: Co-Chair / Communications Coordinator, Runway Journal ~ Online
Aug 2019–Apr 2020: Gallery Manager, STATION Australia ~ Sydney / Melbourne
Contract-based role (gallery temporarily closed in April during covid-19 regulations)
Feb-Oct 2019: Lead Copywriter & Digital Media Coordinator, Museum of Brisbane ~ Brisbane. Contract-based role
Sep 2016–May 2019: Lead Creative Copywriter & Producer, Brand & Campaigns,
Uber / Uber Eats ~ Australia & New Zealand. Contract-based role
Nov 2011–Sep 2016: Senior Projects Officer – Design & Digital Communications Officer, Queensland Government ~ Brisbane
Employed in part-time roles that eventuated into full-time roles in the following departments:Visual Arts Craft & Design, Arts Queensland; Communications, Arts Queensland / Department of the Premier & Cabinet; Media & Content, Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation & the Arts.
Aug-Oct 2015: Marketing Manager (acting/mat leave role), Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts ~ Brisbane
Apr 2010-Mar 2014: Co-Founding Director, Miami Marketta (formerly Rabbit& Cocoon) creative precinct ~Gold Coast
Aug 2010-Sep 2011: Cultural Development Project Officer, City of Gold Coast ~ Gold Coast
May 2008-May 2010: Co-Founding Director & Curator, 19 KAREN Contemporary Artspace, ~ Gold Coast
Jan 2007-Dec 2009: Co-Founding Director & Curator (with Megan Cope), tinygold artist run initiative ~Gold Coast
May 2006-May 2008: Gallery Assistant, George Petelin Gallery~Gold Coast
2006 Research Assistant – Special Projects, Centre for Cultural Research, Griffith University~Gold Coast
SPECIAL PROJECTS
January 2023 – present: Co-Project Lead and Lead Writer, Equity—Builder, Arts House, Melbourne
2022-2023: Editorial and design team, The Calamansi Story book, Melbourne (forthcoming)
2022: Publications curator, Powerhouse Shop Takeover, Powerhouse Museum x Sydney Writers Festival
2021-2022: Creative Producer, Secret Snacks, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney
Contributor, In My Kusina, Entree Pinays, Sydney
2020/2021: Creative Producer & Host, Interno podcast, Making Art Work (Digital Platform / Book), Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane (undertaken March-July 2020)
April-May 2020 Co-organiser, chicane.space, online exhibition, Sydney / Vienna
Feb-May 2019: Editor, BRISBANE ART DESIGN – festival Book, Museum of Brisbane
Mar 2019: Event coordinator, SHIRLOW STREET STUDIOS official launch, Sydney
Nov 2019: Creative producer & Host, MIGHT DELETE LATER panel, Running Dog, Verge Gallery, Sydney
Mar 2019: Guest collector, Collectors’ Space, 541 Artspace, Art Month Sydney
Mar 2019: Art tour host (with Mason Kimber): Art Month Walkie-Talkie: Paddington Art Crawl, Sydney
Dec 2018 Curator, PRIZE NO PRIZE, THE WALLS Art Space, Gold Coast
2018: Peer Review Circle, Absolute Humidity, Ed. by Tess Maunder, New York & Manila
Oct 2017: Creative Producer & Host, First Thursdays, Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane
May 2017: Performer, Negative Volumes: Danger Magic, Liquid Architecture
Dec 2017: Curator, PRIZE NO PRIZE, THE WALLS Art Space, Gold Coast
Curated by Joel Stern & Danni Zuvela, Firstdraft, Sydney
Dec 2016: Curator, PRIZE NO PRIZE, THE WALLS Art Space, Gold Coast
Jul 2016 – Jan 2017: Media Liaison & Marketer, Liquid Architecture: FM[X] Curated by Frances Barrett & Danni Zuvela, Sydney
Apr-Jul 2013: Founding Committee Member, The Sold Coast: Shaping our Culture Strategy, Gold Coast
Jan 2012-May 2013: Manager, Studios Uplate Monthly Program, Rabbit+Cocoon, Gold Coast
Jun 2010-Jul 2011: Curator, Streetcube, Surfers Paradise Festival, Gold Coast
Jun-Jul 2011: Co-Curator, Nine Wives, Nine Lives Gallery, Brisbane
Mar 2009: Event coordinator, Semi-Permanent Exhibition
Nine Lives Gallery + 19 KAREN, Gold Coast and Brisbane
SELECTED TALKS / COMMUNITY APPEARANCES
2023 How to be an Art Critic, workshop w/ Neha Kale & Toni Ross, Power Institute, Verge Gallery (upcoming)
2023 ABC Radio: The Calamansi Story (w/ Kristine Aquino and Kat Cortez)
2022 ABC Arts Week: Exhibition finds you the best snacks (w/ Joy Li and Kalanjay Dhir)
2021 Guest, Artists in Lockdown Ep. (with Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran and Andrew Frost) ABC: The Mix, National
2021 In My Kusina: Ginisang sardinas, The Entree.Pinays
2020 Panel speaker, Coffee & Chikahan with Luisa Brimble and Entree Pinays, Sydney
2019 Host, In Conversation: Jason Phu, Wilson Phu, Mimi Phu, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney
Speaker, Laurie Anderson: In Conversation (with Angela Catterns AM & Ashley Hay), Home of the Arts, Gold Coast
Producer & Host, MIGHT DELETE LATER panel (with Sophie Penkethman-Young, Emma O’Neill and Danielle Karlikoff), Running Dog x Verge Gallery, Sydney
Art Tour Host / Collector’s Space contributor (with Mason Kimber), Art Month Sydney, Sydney2017 Performer/Concocter, Negative Volumes: Danger Magic, Liquid Architecture x Firstdraft, Sydney
2009 Speaker, Getting Works on the Wall: Dealing with Galleries, Life After Uni series, QUT Art Museum, Brisbane
SELECTED PUBLISHED WRITING /COMMISSIONED EDITING ~ ART & CULTURE
2023
The Calamansi Story – Co-Editor and Co-Designer, Published by The Entree.Pinays
2023
Runway Journal Issue 46: GHOST – Digital Producer/Deputy Chair, Runway Journal
2022
Runway Journal Issue 45: Asemic – Digital Producer/Deputy Chair, Runway Journal
2022
In Good Hands: Gina Mobayed & David Cleary, Art Collector
Forecast: EJ Son, VAULT: Australasian Art & Culture
Body in transit (in the place between my Chinese mother’s marbled hands), Melbourne Art Fair: Perspectives on Place, Melbourne Art Fair Book
2021
Letter from the Editor, 4A Papers, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art
The National 2021: New Australian Art To Believe In, Art Guide
Nabilah Nordin in Art Collector: 50 Things Collectors Need to Know (Cool Hunter), Art Collector
Your tongue is a wet archive: Sancintya Mohini Simpson, in Disobedient Daughters, publication, Ed. Sophia Cai
2020
Body of Work: Bhenji Ra, VAULT: Australasian Art & Culture
The Right Call: Andy Penn & Kallie Blauhorn, Art Collector
Laura Jones: Arcadia (exhibition essay), Glasshouse Regional Gallery
2019
Gene & Brian Sherman: The Whole Picture, Art Collector
Forecast: Genevieve Felix Reynolds, VAULT: Australasian Art & Culture
What Next: Kirtika Kain, Art Collector magazine
Client Liaison: Leisure Suit Larrikins, VAULT: Australasian Art & Culture
Lucas Davidson: A Way In, A Way Out ( Book), Dominik Mersch Gallery, Sydney
2018
Laurie Anderson: Artist in Residence – Feature interview (New York), Home of the Arts, Gold Coast
Object: SKARFE, Sydney VAULT: Australasian Art & Culture
Darren Sylvester: Out of Life at Sullivan+Strumpf, Running Dog, Sydney
Mason Kimber: Slanted Mansions, Exhibition Essay, COMA Sydney
Rate of Change: COMA, Running Dog, Sydney
Tom Polo: Hidden Figures (Sydney), VAULT: Australasian Art & Culture
Clara Balaguer: A New Type of Manila (Philippines), ACCLAIM Magazine
Q&A with Laurie Anderson – Scenstr Magazine, Brisbane
Hahan: Hack the Market, (Indonesia), ACCLAIM Magazine
Vipoo Srivilasa: Everyday Shrines – Exhibition Essay (Melbourne) Gippsland Art Gallery
2017
Giles Ryder in Bangkok (Thailand), VAULT: Australasian Art & Culture
Seth Birchall: Call of the Wild (Sydney), VAULT: Australasian Art & Culture
Svenja Kratz: Non-Linear Histories – Exhibition Essay, (Brisbane) Spiro Grace Art Rooms
No FFIXXED Address: FFIXXED STUDIOS (China) VAULT: Australasian Art & Culture
2016
Musée Yves Saint Laurent, (Marrakech), Neue Luxury
Patrons of art, design, and culture (Global), Neue Luxury
Exploring Body Sculptures with Holly Ryan, Broadsheet
Creative Couples: Gail Sorronda and Atlas Harwood, Broadsheet
Lonney White: Dark Materials (Chicago), Neue Luxury
BIGSOUND: Who’s Coming Next (Brisbane), Broadsheet
Reconceptualised Curating (Global), Neue Luxury
Vipoo Srivilasa: Connecting The Pots (Melbourne/Thailand) VAULT: Australasian Art & Culture
Six Films to See: Cine Latino Film Festival, Broadsheet
Michael Cook: The Skins We Live In (Brisbane), VAULT: Australasian Art & Culture
Creative Couples: Michael Zavros and Alison Kubler, Broadsheet
2015
Subtle Relief: Anna-Bella Papp (Italy) – VAULT:Australasian Art & Culture
Ways to Disappear: Hito Steyerl, Institute of Modern Art (Brisbane) -RAVEN Contemporary
2014
Joseph Allen Shea (Galerie Allen): Traversing the Impossible, (Paris), VAULT:Australasian Art & Culture
Jean Paul Gaultier: Immaculate Conception (Melbourne), VAULT:Australasian Art & Culture
In Pursuit of Perfection: (Queensland College of Art Brisbane & Gold Coast / QUT) Graduate Shows -RAVEN Contemporary
Note to Self by Justin Balmain: Exhibition Essay – THE WALLS
Julie Anne Quay (V Files): File Under V (New York), VAULT:Australasian Art & Culture
2013
Alison Kubler & Mitchell Oakley Smith: Art on the Runway (Sydney/Brisbane), VAULT:Australasian Art & Culture
Justin Lee Williams: Night Mountain Oh I Miss You (Melbourne) – Mild Manners x KSUBI @ K.o.M.A
Spaces as Kingdoms – This Place is Yours, Sydney (Launched at VIVID Sydney)
Gold Coast: Beyond the Gloss – Design Online, Asia Pacific Design Library, State Library of Qld
Michael Zavros: Capturing the Prince (Brisbane), VAULT:Australasian Art & Culture
2012
Gail Sorronda: Surrender to Sorronda (Brisbane), VAULT:Australasian Art & Culture
Matt Rabbidge – Mild Manners (Brisbane), The Native Press
Exhibition Essay, From the Place – An Exhibition by Rebecca Ross, Comb Artspace
2011
Where There’s a Will, There’s a When: Re-imagining the Future – Now + When: Australian Urbanism, Gold Coast City Gallery, RealTime Australia
Sustaining Artist-Run Initiatives, aqblog Policy and Practice in Arts and Culture
Art Notes: Editor for Queensland, Art Monthly Australia, Australia (acting)
2009
Guest Editor, Issue 105, The Thousands (formerly Fourthousand)
Jemima Wyman (Los Angeles), UV Magazine
Amber B Dianda (California), UV Magazine Online
2008
Catalogue Essay, tinygold presents Tales from the Cold Ghost I / Tales from the Cold Ghost II
INDUSTRY TRAINING
2021 Auslan Sign Language – Beginners Course, Expressions Australia, Online
2018 Write Right: Writing/Copywriting Masterclass, The Good Copy, Sydney
Stop! Grammar Time: Grammar Masterclass, The Good Copy, Sydney
2016 Code of Conduct for Queensland Public Service, Queensland Government, Brisbane
2013 Digital & Social Media Communication Strategies in Government, Akolade, Brisbane
2011 Project Management Fundamentals, Australian Institute of Management, Brisbane
Woodside Better Business: Don’t just survive – thrive through change, Australian Business Arts Foundation (now Creative Partnerships Australia), Brisbane
Public Sector Writing, Institute of Public Administration of Australia, Brisbane
Managing Projects, Australia Business Arts Foundation (now Creative Partnerships Australia), Brisbane
2008 Young Artists Mentoring Program, Youth Arts Queensland, Brisbane
Navigation Arts Business Training, Accredited, Youth Arts Qld, Brisbane
COLLABORATIVE AWARDS & NOTABLE MENTIONS
2022-2023 Future Leaders Fellow, Leadership Program Australia Council For the Arts May 2022 -Current
2019 Lead Writer/Editor, Digital Website Finalist (BRISBANE ART DESIGN festival) Australian Graphic Design Awards
2016 Marketing consultant – Liquid Architecture: FM[X] Sydney, Finalist in FBi Radio Sydney Music, Arts, and Culture Awards, FBi Radio, Sydney
2016/2015 Selected, Outfielders: A list of Australia’s art world up-and-comers, The Art Life, Australia
2012 Selected, Queensland’s 50 Best and Brightest, The Courier Mail, Brisbane
2012 Recipient, Cultural Achievement Award – Winners (Co-Founders of Rabbit+Cocoon), City of Gold Coast Australia Day Awards, Gold Coast
2012 Winner, Rabbit+Cocoon ‘Hop on Board,’ Pozible Crowdfunding campaign, Gold Coast
2012 Nomination, Mariam Arcilla – curatorial projects, Cultural Achievement Award, City of Gold Coast Australia Day Awards
2011 Recipient, Artspoken Regional Arts & Culture Award, Volunteering Award for outstanding contributions to a regional Queensland community, Qld Government
2011 Nomination, Young Alumnus Award, Griffith University Alumni Awards, Brisbane
2011 Recipient, Ambassador Bursary, Creative3 Forum, Queensland University of Technology Creative Enterprise, Brisbane
2009-2010 Selected, Creative Australians Inspiring our Communities, Gold Coast White Pages Phonebook Front Cover, Australia
2008 Recipient, Young Artists Mentoring Program, Youth Arts Queensland, Brisbane
2005 Recipient, Griffith University Honours Scholarship and Educational Bursary, Gold Coast
2004 Griffith University Academic Excellence, Award, Gold Coast
PRESS COVERAGE
2022 Exhibition finds you the best snacks | Arts Week: Art is Everywhere | ABC Arts
2021 At Home with your collection – Art Collector
2020 Interno — a four-part podcast that connects artists and artmakers through the global pandemic, A Rich Life
Queensland Artists Relief Initiative ‘Making Art Work’ amid crisis, ArtAsiaPacific
Making Art Work offers a new deal for Queensland artists, Art Guide
Artists Lockdown, The Mix, ABC
At Home With Your Art Collection: Mariam Arcilla, Art Collector
Entree.Pinays: Coffee & Chikahan ~ Luisa Brimble & Mariam Arcilla
This Week’s Top News in the Arts: chicane, Arts Hub
Tchacos, A. The new online art platform is here, RUSSH
Clarke, E. How to add art to your home and everyday life, Domain
2019 Creative Spaces feature: STATION, Belle magazine
Creative Couples: Mariam Arcilla & Mason Kimber, Broadsheet
Here’s what Sydney’s tastemakers are collecting, Art Collector Magazine (online), Sydney
Beneath the fathomless love for arts and culture: Artists Mason Kimber and Mariam Arcilla’s story, SBS Filipino Radio, Sydney
2018 Prize No Prize, Morning Drive, ABC Radio 91.7FM, Gold Coast
2017 Scarce, F. Review: Prize No Prize, THE WALLS, unProjects, Sydney
Mariam Arcilla: Curating and Featuring Australian Artists, SBS Radio, Sydney
2014/2015/2016 Insider’s Fun Guide: Mariam Arcilla, Culture Club, Gold Coast Traveller, Australia
2015 ART/WORK | The Artsworker: Mariam Arcilla, QUT Art Museum, Brisbane
2014 Queensland’s 50 Most Stylish, U on Sunday, The Courier Mail, Brisbane
2013 Gold Coast’s cultural future plotted in shifting sands, The Australian, Australia
2012 A Q&A with Gold Coast creative hub, Rabbit+Cocoon, Conversations with Bianca Valentino, Gold Coast
Grant, D. Art & Soul: Cultural Precinct Painting a Brighter Future for the City, Weekend Bulletin
Gold Coast By Design, TODAY, The Straits Times Singapore
Insider’s Guide to the Gold Coast, Scoot Airlines, Singapore
Willoughby, S. Cultural Revolution Begins, Gold Coast Bulletin, Gold Coast
Gold Coast arts and culture profile, YES 93.3 FM Singapore Radio, Singapore
The Case for Creativity (film), ArtsLink, Queensland
License, J. Kicking off the White Shoes, Gold Coast
Willoughby, S. Grassroots is Key to a Cultural Hub, Gold Coast Bulletin, Gold Coast
Marshall C. ‘Cultural Achievement Award: rabbit+cocoon’ ABC Gold Coast 91.7FM and Online
2011 Willoughby, S. Our City Needs a Living Cultural Heart: Turning Point (Exclusive), Gold Coast Bulletin, Gold Coast
King, R. and Flowers, P. Young Things on Top of It, Gold Coast Bulletin, Gold Coast
Profiles: Mariam Arcilla – Naked City Guide, Gold Coast
Cultivating Creativity on the Coast, Griffith News Now
Lund, J. Gold Coast arts and culture in Naked City-Guide, Getaway, Channel Nine, Australia
A Can-Do Artitude, Coast Confidential, Gold Coast Bulletin, Gold Coast
Marshall, C. Gold Coast Arts Community Celebrates New Home, ABC Gold Coast 91.7FM and Online
Windsor, H., Blank Canvas, Precinct Magazine, Surfers Paradise
Stringer, H., The Nine Wives of Nine, Time-Off Brisbane
2010 Hicks, S., Street Art in Surfers’ Heart, Art Nation, ABC TV /612 ABC AM /91.7FM, Australia
Doherty, D. ‘Laneway becomes focus of Surfers cultural event’ Gold Coast Sun
Rigney, V., Cultural Context and Art Practice on the Gold Coast
2000-2010 Flying Colours: QCA celebrates 10 years of Gold Coast Alumni, The Arts Centre, Gold Coast
Lightmares interview, ABC 91.7FM, Gold Coast
O’ Riordan, Art+Community, Art Monthly Australia
Mitchell-Smith K., 19 Mood Swings, Art and About, ABC 91.7FM, Gold Coast
19 KAREN, Pedestrian TV, Australia
Burke K., 19 KAREN, Issue 14, Monster Children, Sydney
2010/2009 Creative Australian Recognised for Inspiring Gold Coast Community, White Pages, Australia
19 KAREN, Naked City Guide, Gold Coast
2009 Featured Community Cultural Developer, Young People Creating Queensland Book, Brisbane
2009 Creative Gold Coaster on the cover of White Pages, 612 ABC, Brisbane
Eltham, B. An ‘island culture’ for the Gold Coast?, Benjamin Eltham’s Cultural Policy Blog, Melbourne
Wakeling, E, Tuloch I.,Williams, J. – Emerging Artwriters Program, Artworkers: Writing for Art Edition, Queensland
Strebe, S. Mariam Arcilla wears art on leave, Gold Coast Bulletin, Gold Coast
Robinson, P., Interview – Curator: Creator or Dictator, Feature story in Artworkers, Queensland
Bannister, L. 19 KAREN, Frankie Magazine, Australia
Werkmeister S. Hungry like the Wolf, Look review, The Thousands Brisbane
2008 Hicks, S. Artists Creating a Cultural Coast 612 ABC Radio/ 91.7FM Radio and ABC.net.au Brisbane/Gold Coast
Burke, K., Tinygold’s labour of love, Epoch Times, Australia
St. Martin, M. Ghost of a Chance, Feature story in The Weekend Bulletin, Gold Coast
Arman, T. tinygold Planet Radio, Brisbane
Surgeoner, R. Pap Spears, The Thousands Brisbane
Barker, L. See it! Pap Spears Tuesday Magazine, Gold Coast
Brown, S. Tales from the Cold Ghost II ,Yen Magazine.net Australia
2007 Hogg, V. The Gold Coast Art Scene Triple J interview, Australia 2007 Saint-Martin, M. Fighting Invisibility, Feature story in The Weekend Bulletin, Gold Coast
Duggal, S. Artists Showing Initiative, Feature story in Gold Coast SUN Gold Coast
2006 Broker, D. and Chapman, J. Art to Lunch, 4ZZZ, Brisbane
COMPLETED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING
Auslan Sign Language Course, Expressions Australia (8 wks)
Designing for Accessibility, Canva Design School (on-going)
Eco-poetics Poetry Writing Workshop Intensive ~ Eunice Andrada (8 wks)
Video Creator Course, Rachel Nguyen (12 wks)
Write Right Masterclass, The Good Copy (1 course)
Stop! Grammar Time Masterclass, The Good Copy (1 course)
Digital & Social Media Comms Strategies in Government, Akolade (1 course)
Completed Managing Projects, Australia Business Arts Foundation (1 course)
Young Artists Mentoring Program, Youth Arts Queensland (55 weeks)