‘I love how MPavilion brings together architecture and design both in physical form and conversations that invite curiosity, interspersed with art in playful adventure. It’s incredibly thrilling to create a place and in it moments that are offered freely to every person in Melbourne and beyond.’

Elaine is an arts leader, advocate and producer with over 20 years’ experience in senior roles in the performing and visual arts across venues, festivals, touring and cultural infrastructure projects. Her previous roles include Executive Director at the Adelaide Festival, CEO at Sydney’s City Recital Hall and Director of International Signature Projects at the Australia Council for the Arts delivering as public-private partnership projects the Australian representation at three Venice Art Biennales and the redevelopment of the Australian Pavilion in Venice, Italy.

‘MPavilion is a continuum with public space which brings together all layers of urban explorers, design academics and undetermined city dwellers. It is a place set aside from the beaten path, where unexpected connections thrive and the conversation can keep going.’

‘For me, MPavilion is a space to learn and grow. I am excited to connect with people, communities and culture and be part of this journey.’ 

Rei is a passionate graphic designer studying Communication & UX Interaction Design at the Swinburne University of Technology. With knowledge of communication, she worked in fashion and retail marketing in Japan for a number of years before moving to Melbourne. She keeps curious and exploring the world.

‘For me, MPavilion immediately conjures all the very best i adjectives: inclusive, inspiring, inviting, iconic, impassioned and intimate.’

Gabriela has dabbled in many fields across many continents throughout her career. Her prior roles have included Operations Manager at architecture practice Fieldwork, producer on large-scale film productions in Peru and Bolivia, and over 10 years as an ESL teacher. She also has extensive experience in editing and translation and has freelanced for various publications, including Assemble Papers, Le Cool Barcelona and Moon Handbooks in Peru.

‘A warm afternoon people watching, an hour in quiet reflection, a morning laughing and making – my favourite MPavilion moments are everyday, made memorable by the splendid backdrop. Each MPavilion waits to confront, engage and encompass those of us seeking respite, connection or to satisfy our curiosity.’

With a formal background in architecture and varied experience in project management and post-production, Monica is happiest when problem-solving. An avid maker and lifelong learner, she has most recently worked on community, craft and exhibition initiatives.

‘MPavilion is such an important civic space – one that allows for the free exchange of conversation and ideas. Working here allows me to actively collaborate with a group of humans around some of the biggest cultural questions facing our city today.’

A legend of the Melbourne arts scene, Paulie has been a member of the MPavilion family since 2016 – starting in the front of house team before moving into the role of Site Operations Manager & Music Programmer. In between MPavilion seasons, he can be found enjoying the quiet life in Castlemaine or flexing his event management skills at Golden Plains, Meredith Music Festival and Rising Melbourne. Wherever he is, he brings positive vibes, good music and an inimitable wardrobe.

A Quandamooka man and architect living, working and learning on Wurundjeri Country, Bradley is Director of Naarm-based architecture and design studio Winsor Kerr and a member of the Australian Institute of Architects’ First Nations Advisory Committee and Victoria Chapter Council. He has contributed to the industry as a juror for the Institute’s awards program, guest university critic and studio leader, speaker and moderator on numerous panels, advisory and working groups and committees. Bradley has written for publications through ArchitectureAU.

‘Being a generalist producer, it’s exciting to be part of the team at MPavilion, which has a broad and rich public program involving all the things I’m interested in – from music and dance, art and craft, architecture and design to macro, city-level thinking and responsiveness to the world around us. It’s so great to be a part of this depth of thinking.’

Eliki Reade is an interdependent producer and artist of Kailoma-Fijian heritage. Eliki works with many forms of storytelling and the ways it is creatively embodied – engaging with work that centres the practice, creating critical connection. They wear multiple creative hats, including Program & Events Coordinator at MPavilion, Co-Instigator with Lana Nguyen for A Climate For Arts, Co-Creative Producer for Listening Across Faultlines (GER), Pacific Drift – Crenulations (DNK) and Oceanic Refractions (GER) with AM Kanngieser and Mere Nailatikau, Cultural Advisor for Museums Victoria’s Culture Makers Program, and Co-Chair with Lana Nguyen at Seventh Gallery.

‘I am always surprised and excited by the contrasting approaches that selected architects bring to each MPavilion. As an initiative, it represents a unique opportunity for students, as a showcase for contemporary design practices and a growing archive of architectural works within the City of Melbourne. Each year, I have observed MPavilion celebrate architecture and allied design in a way that inspires and connects communities.’

Andrew’s work in education focuses upon the power of the direct encounter with works of architecture, art and design. His pedagogical approach involves providing learners with opportunities to experience new and unfamiliar forms and ideas within a supportive environment, with the goal of stimulating curiosity, experimentation and inquiry. Andrew is especially interested in public spaces as dynamic sites that reflect – through their combinations of architecture, design and art – the unique communities to which they belong. He has worked with students across early learning, primary, secondary, tertiary and adult education contexts.