What role can/should corporate Brisbane play in supporting arts, culture and creativity?
Join the Creative Brisbane Collab. for an insightful discussion about the opportunities for Brisbane’s commercial sector to support, and benefit from, a vibrant creative economy.
At Collab. in Conversation #4, on Tuesday 13 May (Thomas Dixon Centre at Queensland Ballet), guests will be invited to listen to, and participate in, a fascinating discussion about how Brisbane and other cities can best prepare themselves for attention from some of the world’s largest brands as they look more intently at our part of the world as 2032 approaches.
Our keynote speaker, Barry Wafer, Founding Director of RIZER (a Collab. member) will explore how to capitalise corporate partnerships for a cultural and social legacy. Barry will speak, in part, about an innovative activation his company ran at the Spanish Steps in Rome, with Bvlgari, that raised important funds for the maintenance of the Steps. As part of Barry’s address, he will discuss how Australian cities can get themselves ready to receive inquiries from global brands for cultural and corporate activations and events.
Joining Barry on a panel after his keynote will be:
• Jacqui Feeney, CEO of Screen Queensland (a Collab. member), who will speak about how her organisation put Queensland on the global map for film and television production; and
• Michelle Williams PhD, Strategic Partnerships Lead of Sanofi – a global healthcare company that was a Premium Partner of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. Sanofi’s Australian headquarters are in Brisbane and Michelle will discuss how, to attract the best and the brightest minds, arts and culture must play a big role in the city.
Location: Thomas Dixon Centre, Montague Road, West End.
Time: 6pm arrival for 6:30pm commencement
Tickets $25 + $5 transaction fee
KEYNOTE - Barry Wafer, Founding Director of Rizer
Barry is the Founding Director of global experience agency Rizer, founded in 2005. With its promise to “Make life Spectacular”, the events giant does just that, having crafted iconic moments for some of the most coveted brands, cities and major events in the world. Examples include the spellbinding reopening of the Spanish Steps in Rome, Opening and Closing ceremonies for FIFA World Cup and World Entrepreneur Celebrations in Monaco. Barry’s call-to-arms to make life spectacular is there to lead the Rizer team every step of the way, curating near-magic, moment by moment.
PANEL GUEST - Jacqui Feeney, CEO of Screen Queensland
Jacqui Feeney commenced as CEO Screen Queensland in July 2023. Previously she held senior management roles at leading national and global media and entertainment companies including Fox Networks Group, National Geographic, Foxtel, and SBS World Movies where she led major commissions and growth initiatives.
Jacqui has held a range of board responsibilities — including directorships with start-up incubator Fishburners, Foxtel joint-ventures Nickelodeon and XYZ, the ASTRA industry association plus NFPs
PANEL GUEST - Michelle Williams, PhD, Strategic Partnerships Lead of Sanofi.
Michelle is the Partnerships Lead at the Translational Science Hub in Brisbane, where she fosters collaborations between Australian researchers and global biopharma leaders to advance mRNA technology and vaccine development. With over 15 years of experience in clinical trials and biotech innovation, Michelle is passionate about positioning Australia as a global hub for biomedical research. She brings a unique perspective on leveraging corporate partnerships to drive scientific and social impact. She hopes that the Translational Science Hub can contribute to Brisbane’s narrative as a vibrant, creative city that blends innovation, culture, and community.