Freedom to Belong Panel Discussion

Join Dr Elsa Licumba for a panel discussion exploring the local migrant experience. 

Dr Elsa Licumba is an author and cultural consultant passionate about understanding how migrants engage in cultural transition to reinvent their identity and sense of belonging.

Moderated by Licumba, the panel will discuss what is inclusion, what gets in the way of inclusion, and how can we all live together. The panel discussion will be followed by an afternoon of music and conversation.

This is a FREE event. Register your interest to receive exclusive event information straight to your inbox.

ATONG ATEM is presented by Newcastle Art Gallery for New Annual 2023. 

ABOUT THE PANEL

Miss Maya Hassim 

Maya arrived in Australia in 2013 from Malaysia. Due to the nature of her parent's work, Maya grew up in six different countries and attended six different schools. For most of the time, she had to learn to adjust her meaning of home.

Loui Ndagijimana

Loui was born in and arrived in Australia on a humanitarian visa. He coordinates the Strategy Underpinning Participation and Empowerment for Refugee Backgrounds in Education (SUPERBE). Loui has a passion for supporting and improving the lives of people of CALD background in Australia. In 2019, he was awarded the University of Newcastle Rising Star Award. 

Dr Sabrina Syed

Dr Sabrina arrived in Australia from Bangladesh in 2017 with her family to pursue her academic dreams. She has always been interested in issues of inequalities and disadvantaged groups, particularly women of color. Her Ph.D.focused on the challenges faced by female international students in Australia. She works as a postdoctoral fellow and academic at University of Newcastle.

ABOUT THE MUSICAL GUEST

Miss K

Miss K is a powerful Newcastle-based vocalist hailing from Botswana who fronts The Beautiful Things, a captivating musical ensemble that seamlessly blends soulful melodies with dynamic rhythms. Fusing contemporary genres and incorporating elements of R&B, pop and Afrobeat, Miss K creates a unique and captivating sound. An emerging artist with a promising future in the music industry, her talent continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Hero image: Atong Atem, Henna 1, 2021, Ilford smooth pearl print 116 x 159cm edition of 3 + 2 AP, courtesy of MARS Gallery and the artist.

Other images: Courtesy the artists