Who is The Velvet Collective?

The Velvet Collective is an independent South East Queensland based multidisciplinary artistic collective focused on the aim to produce and curate ambitious, compelling art.

Black and white photo of two people kissing in front of a wall with a geometric design and numbers.

… what do you come here for?

- Glenn Branca

Why ‘Velvet’ ?

The choice behind the Velvet label is one that requires an understanding of our influences. 

  • Perhaps it is inspired by the legendary legacy of the experimental, avant-garde art rock band the Velvet Underground, and the radical explosion they made in the underground New York rock scene; and eventual mainstream success decades later.

  • Perchance it is inspired by the 1963 report The Velvet Underground by Mike Leigh; which reports on the underground Western fetish and sado-masochist culture, and the rise of the 1960’s Sexual Revolution.

  • Maybe it is inspired by the dreamy and dense, shimmering textured sound of Some Velvet Morning by British alternative rock/shoegaze band slowdive.

  • It could be inspired by the surrealist nature of David Lynch’s 1986 film Blue Velvet, and its complex storytelling to create divided, subjective interpretations through critical evaluation and conversation.

  • Perhaps it is inspired by the non-violent Velvet Revolution protests throughout Czechoslovakia in 1989, where the working class peacefully overthrew a three decade dictatorship through a strong alliance and shared vision for a more fair future.

The selection of Velvet as the collective's name was one that respects, and reflects the artists before us, and how their work continues to influence contemporary art making for the future.​

This understanding of our key influences, their work and their ethos has shaped the three key fundamental principles we work under. Find our vision below.  

  • 1. Original Work & Iconoclastic Theatre

    We aim to produce new and original texts for the stage. Furthermore, we aim to produce and adapt classic Western and Northern European works in a contemporary, iconoclastic lens to challenge upheld institutions and beliefs. ​


  • 2. Community Activation

    We endeavour to curate live performance and art exhibitions that inspire, confront and activate communities throughout South East Queensland.

  • 3. Sustainable, Eco-friendy, Anti AI Practices

    We strive to both work and create in a sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, including the bold elimination and  absolute refusal of Artificial Intelligence within creative practice and processes. 

So…

Join the party. Poets, actors, painters, producers, whoever and whatever! We want to work with you.

Say hello. Get in touch.