Emerge

Many of the artists featured in this documentary are independent and unrepresented, yet they continue to create powerful, thought-provoking work despite, and often because of, their personal and professional challenges.
Their resilience and creative drive are a profound source of inspiration for me. I have always been drawn to stories of human strength and transformation, especially those of individuals who overcome adversity to redefine their identity and purpose.
The NotFair Art Fair embodies this same spirit, often viewed as the “underdog” compared to the more commercial Melbourne Art Fair, it provides a vital platform for unconventional and emerging artists. This dynamic perfectly aligns with my motivation to tell this story.

Emerge aims to empower artists, particularly those living with mental health challenges or disabilities, by showcasing their courage, creativity, and individuality.
Through the lens of NotFair, it will inspire artists to explore alternative paths outside the traditional art establishment, proving that recognition and self-expression are not confined to mainstream institutions.
Ultimately, the film seeks to build confidence among young and emerging artists, encouraging them to connect with organisations like NotFair that believe in their potential and provide them a platform to shine.

The film will be submitted to key Australian and international film festivals, with an emphasis on art, culture, and mental health themes, including:
Human Rights Arts & Film Festival (Melbourne)
Multicultural Mental Health Film Festival 2025 (Melbourne)
Melbourne Documentary Film Festival (Melbourne)
Global film festivals across Europe, the USA, Canada, and Asia

A special cinema screening is also planned for De Koepel in Haarlem, The Netherlands, in 2026.

I first met Anne Runhardt, former Chair of NotFair, in 2021 and was immediately drawn to the fair’s mission and the independent artists it supported.
In 2021, during the postponed NotFair 2020 Exhibition, I assisted in event organisation and built strong relationships with many participating artists.
In December 2022, I produced a test shoot during the Glossolalia exhibition, conducting interviews and filming within the gallery space. The trailer accompanying this application was created from footage captured at this event.

In 2023, I met with 40 artists from the Alchemy exhibition, gaining deeper insights into their creative processes, the lasting effects of the pandemic, and their personal mental health journeys. These conversations inspired the inclusion of several artists in the final documentary, reinforcing the synergy between NotFair’s independent ethos and my vision to elevate the “underdog” voice of the art world.

* Develop a goodie bag initiative featuring promotional materials from participating artists, art exhibitions, and mental health organisations.
* Arrange educational screenings at art schools to inspire younger generations.
* Explore additional collaborations with galleries and mental health institutions to expand outreach and engagement.