JMC Academy’s August Open Days aren’t just your chance to explore our cutting-edge facilities and connect with our vibrant creative community (although that’s definitely two great reasons to come along!).
They’re also an opportunity to hear directly from the people shaping Australia’s creative industries right now.
Across our Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne campuses, this weekend and next, we’ll be welcoming a lineup of special guests to our Open Day panels. These industry leaders will share their career journeys, insights into the evolving creative landscape, and advice for the next generation of talent.
Brisbane — Dave Sleswick, Creative Director of The Tivoli Group & Open Season
In Brisbane, we’re thrilled to welcome Dave Sleswick — a creative producer, cultural strategist, and the driving force behind The Tivoli Group, custodians of Brisbane’s iconic Tivoli and Princess Theatres! Dave has spent the last two decades shaping Brisbane’s cultural identity through performance-making, music curation, festival producing, and innovative venue management. Under his leadership, The Tivoli Group has become a home for both emerging and established voices, with programming that champions diversity, community impact, and long-term sustainability. Expect Dave to bring rich insights into building creative careers that balance artistic integrity with real-world viability.
Sydney — Ian Becker, Media Manager at Channel Nine
Our Sydney Open Day will feature Ian Becker, whose decades-long career in broadcast television has taken him from picture editing and producing at Seven News, to overseeing media operations at Nine News. As Media Manager, Ian has navigated the industry’s transformation from tape to non-linear editing and played a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of media professionals. In 2023, he launched an internship program at Nine, offering film and television students first-hand experience in the high-pressure world of live news production. Ian’s panel session will give aspiring creatives a window into the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of broadcast media and how to thrive in it.
Melbourne — Jessie Parker, Festival Director of Laneway Festival
In Melbourne, we’re excited to welcome Jessie Parker, the Festival Director of the renowned Laneway Festival, which has been bringing incredible live music to audiences across Australia and New Zealand for over 20 years. With more than 15 years of experience in live entertainment, a Masters in Intellectual Property Law, and a position on the Board of the Australian Festival Association, Jessie brings a unique perspective on both the creative and strategic sides of the music industry. She’s a passionate advocate for the cultural and social power of music festivals, and her panel discussion will offer invaluable advice for anyone looking to break into the live events space.
And that’s just a taste of the industry heavyweights joining us on campus this Open Day.
At JMC, our creative community is a powerful network where students, alumni and pros come together to share knowledge, ideate, and open doors to the future.Whether your dream is to direct festivals, manage major media operations, or transform the cultural fabric of a city, Open Day is your chance to connect with the people who’ve done it, and who continue to shape the future of the creative industries.
