An immersive exhibition weaving together personal histories, cultural traditions and contemporary storytelling is poised to open at the Multi-Arts Pavillion, mima, in Lake Macquarie.
Opening on 28 February, the groundbreaking Kultura Collectiva: Theatre of Memories by artists from Japan and Indonesia invites audiences into a 360-degree projection experience within MAP mima's state-of-the-art Cube.
MAP mima Curator David Rastas said the exhibition explored themes of memory, migration and collective identity through multimedia art.
"Theatre of Memories features a compelling blend of visual storytelling, soundscapes, and archival materials, the exhibition captures lived experiences, evoking both personal reflection and communal resonance," he said.
"The artists interrogate local histories from an outsider's perspective—questioning narratives, recontextualising memory, and offering new interpretations of the past."
Artist and Kultura Collectiva founder Dias Prabu said he wanted to approach those histories not as static records, but as living stories that continue to evolve.
"By looking at them with fresh eyes, we uncover hidden layers, contradictions and emotions that may have been overlooked," he said.
"This exhibition is an invitation to reimagine history as something fluid and open to interpretation."
The ambitious project is the result of Kultura Collectiva artists spending three weeks in residence at the Lake House as part of the Lake Macquarie Arts Artist Residency Program.
Mr Rastas described the exhibition as "a deeply moving exploration of memory as both personal and universal, using contemporary digital art to animate storytelling traditions that transcend borders".
The free exhibition opening, kicking off at 5pm on Friday 28 February, will be feature an artist talk, live performance by artist Jaeko Siena, and an opportunity to meet the creative team behind the project.
Go to arts.lakemac.com.au
