Screens in the White Box Opens at Creative Asia Art Centre in Melbourne

2 days ago
4 min read

Moving Image Showcase Jumping Out of the Box

On 28 August 2026, Screens in the White Box exhibition officially opened at Creative Asia Art Centre, Melbourne.

Moving beyond the conventional screening setting of the black box, the exhibition brings together films, animations, moving-image installations and multimedia works by 20 emerging artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, including China, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Nepal, Ukraine, Greece, Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Australia, into the white-cube gallery. Spanning across four chapters: Ways of Seeing, Things We Carry, Breaking Points and Still, We Create, the exhibition takes the audience on a sensory journey through sights and sounds, in search of memory, identity, belonging, relationship and renewal.

Taking the red carpet by storm, the opening night welcomed animators, creators, filmmakers, esteemed professors, and guests from all walks of life, as they shared a pose and a polaroid photo under the camera. The opening ceremony kicked off the eight-day exhibition characterised with public screening sessions and artist talks, delving into and falling for the vibrant worlds of moving images in the white box.

The exhibition is jointly presented by Creative Asia Foundation (CAF) and the Association of Multicultural Arts and Cultural Communication (AMACC), and held at Creative Asia Art Centre, located within the World Trade Centre Melbourne.

Opening Ceremony

Delving Into the Worlds of Moving Images

The opening ceremony was hosted by Curator Hebe Huang, followed by artist talks and live music performance by DJ Zijian Wang.

During the opening remarks, Sheryl Leigh, Executive Director of CAF, shared her vision behind the exhibition and the organisation. She expressed her enthusiasm for animation and screen culture, and praised the creativity and storytelling mastery of participating artists. She also emphasised the significance of cultural exchanges between artists from various backgrounds through this exhibition, as cross-cultural dialogue and diversity remain central to the centre’s mission, while reminding guests to vote for their favourite work for the Audience Choice Award.

Curator Hebe Huang carried on to introduce the exhibition theme and direction, which is structured into four interconnected chapters: Ways of Seeing, Things We Carry, Breaking Points and Still, We Create. The variety of films, animations, moving-image installations and multimedia works are organised according to their shared conceptual connections, such as memories and identities. She encouraged the audience to explore the works at their own pace, delving into the enchanting worlds of moving images.

Exhibition Manager Eason Lin further pointed out that the inaugural Screens in the White Box aims to create a space where emerging moving-image artists could showcase their works outside of the traditional cinema settings, offering more platforms and opportunities for their talents and creativity to be recognised.

Project Director Mia Wang added that the exhibition seeks to break the boundary and close the gap between the audience and the art of moving image, by extending beyond the finished works, to encompass intimate personal stories, behind-the-scenes production and animatics. She also invited the audience to meet and chat with the artists directly, getting to know more about them and their fascinating ideas.

Ending the opening ceremony on a high note, Dr Britt Romstad, ACMI Director of Experience and Engagement, offered her thoughts on the thriving development of animation and screen culture in Melbourne, and showed her appreciation for the exhibition in promoting emerging artists working with moving images. She also congratulated the participating artists on their brilliant works, and wished the best for their future endeavours.

Artist Talk

Meeting the Artists and Sharing Stories

One of the highlights of the opening program is the Artist Talk, which was moderated by Curator Hebe Huang, featuring participating artists Zeyang Liu, Takako Osawa, Isabella Mesiti and Cody Fordham. As they shared how communities, belonging, language and music inspire their works and shape them, offering audiences valuable insight into their stories, artistic practices and creative processes.

Turning the night up and keeping the good vibes rolling, DJ Zijian Wang set the stage with his cinematic soundtrack for the event, alongside exhibiting films and animations playing on repeat. As artists and audiences gathered over food and music, exchanging ideas and celebrating the exhibition in a vibrant atmosphere.

About Screens in the White Box

Screens in the White Box is a platform for emerging filmmakers, animators, and moving-image artists to present their work beyond conventional screening contexts. By bringing screen-based practices into a shared exhibition environment, the project creates opportunities for creative exchange, artistic visibility, and connections between practitioners, audiences, and the wider arts community.

More than a showcase, Screens in the White Box encourages encounters between different creative disciplines, approaches, and perspectives. It offers emerging practitioners a space to share their work, connect with one another, and open new conversations around contemporary moving-image practice.