Bec Mac - artist, creative entrepreneur and facilitator of The Refinery 5.0
Bec Mac needs no introduction. Through her arts media business POPSART, she is one of Brisbane's most prolific arts journalists. With a signature blend of insight and effervescence, Bec's one-on-one video-documented interviews keep us connected to artistic trailblazers at their openings, exhibitions, studios and events.
A true creative entrepreneur and artist, Bec's work sits at the intersection of creative community, on-line media, activism, the urban environment and the philosophy and outcomes of Placemaking.
We sat down with Bec to discuss her incredible career and her thoughts on The Refinery.
Rebecca McIntosh aka Bec Mac. Image: Jonathan Oldman.
Hi, Bec. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am an artist, a journalist and a creative entrepreneur who works on projects and ideas that have purpose and meaning in the world. I love popular culture, politics, fashion and want to be Mayor of Brisbane one day and make it the safest city in the world for women and children. I am the mother of 17 year old twins who I love dearly and we live in West End Brisbane.
You've had such a diverse and inspiring career. Have there been any standout moments for you over the years?
I love nothing more than taking a seed of an almost impossible idea and bringing it to fruition often on a global stage. My live art event LOVE TV started in my bedroom at a party and in 2012 I toured the work which had now morphed into a large Hot Pink TV on wheels through the five boroughs of New York in partnership with the city of New York. I developed my concept of interviewing artist live from their exhibitions and openings into my business POPSART and have worked with everyone from Opera Queensland, to QAGOMA to the Sydney Contemporary. In 2018 I started working with the artist Richard Bell on his protest Venice Biennale project EMBASSY 2019 and toured with him to present in Venice that year. More recently I co-founded Chrysalis Projects and have created the arts against gendered based violence project, Inner Circles, which I am really proud of and the soon to be delivered large scale Vernon Ah Kee mural wrapping around Avid reader bookstore.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
So many sources of inspiration particularly mold breakers who go against the status quo and come out on top like artists Mirka Moira and Frida Kahlo, Rockstars like Blondie and Patti Smith, more contemporary artists like Betty Grumble, Richard Bell and Deborah Kelly, Placemakers like Ethan Kent Projects for Public Spaces and political activists all around the world trying to make a difference.
I love robust conversations around politics, economics and social justice with my friends and family and more recently I have been learning a lot about venture capital investments which is super scale to how I work.
We're thrilled to have you on board as the lead facilitator of The Refinery 5.0. What attracted you to the program?
I think the creative sector and artists are our community’s superpower particularly in these complex times they can solve problems in unique and powerful ways and bring value that supports the community not to just to survive but thrive! I can see the Refinery is giving the Sunshine Coast the opportunity to develop both their individual creatives ideas and concepts into work that can transform the place as well as building a thriving ecosystem of networks and economy. I also love how the planning of the course is centering leadership as a key consideration for the participants.
What vibes can year's cohort expect with you running proceedings?
I believe in this life no one will give you anything so you must be willing to back yourself, take risks, work hard, dream big, be generous, have fun and go for it and that’s what I will be bringing!
Can’t wait till The Refinery? Connect with Bec now.