ACCA Podcast

‘We need to talk’, is a bold new series of free public conversations that bring together artists, thinkers, and cultural leaders to explore the art world from every angle.

For our latest event, acclaimed American artist, filmmaker and writer, Tourmaline joins ACCA curator Sophie Prince for a conversation on her exhibition Tourmaline: Transcendent.

‘We need to talk’ is a space for spirited exchange, fresh ideas, and unexpected connections.

Listen to our talk with artist r e a, Myes Russell-Cook and Judith Ryan AM on their latest exhibition 'r e a : c l a i m e d'.

r e a : c l a i m e d is a focused survey of Gamilaraay, Wailwan and Biripi digital media artist, r e a, highlighting some of their most significant works from a career spanning more than three decades. r e a first exhibited at ACCA as part of the landmark group exhibition Blakness: Blak City Culture! in 1994, curated by Hetti Perkins and Clare Williamson. Now, more than thirty years later, r e a returns to ACCA with a solo exhibition that includes digital media art, sculpture, installation, and video.

This podcast was recorded as part of an Artist Talk at ACCA on Saturday 13 December 2025.

Image: Artist talk and book launch event, 'r e a : c l a i m e d' 2025/2026, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne 2026. Photograph: Astrid Mulder

*CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this podcast includes discussions of genocide. Support is always available: Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

‘We need talk’, is a bold new series of free public conversations that bring together artists, thinkers, and cultural leaders to explore the art world from every angle.

For our first event, acclaimed artist Tschabalala Self joined ACCA’s Artistic Director & CEO Myles Russell-Cook for a conversation on art, identity, and the future.

A new ACCA initiative, ‘We need to talk’ is a space for spirited exchange, fresh ideas, and unexpected connections.

*CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this podcast includes discussions of suicide and genocide. Support is always available: Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Listen to our latest talk with artists Abdul-Rahman Abdullah, Megan Cope, Khaled Sabsabi and Ali Tahayori, from our current exhibition 'Five Acts of Love'. Take a deep dive into the discussions on their works, their practice and the ideas presented as part of the exhibition. This podcast was recorded as part of an Artist Talk at ACCA on Saturday 28 June 2025.

Image: Opening night, 'Five Acts of Love' 2025, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Melbourne 2025. Photograph: Carmen Zammit

Moderated by exhibition curator Elyse Goldfinch, join us as we hear from designer Lloyd Mist, and contributing writers Azza Zein, Fayen d’Evie, Tara Heffernan and Tessa Laird.

The talk includes a tour of the interactive digital publication site, and readings from the writers, followed by conversations around Stefanou’s work and ideas that have been explored through the different texts.