Join us at the IMA for Essay Club, where reading group meets salon meets networking drinks. Whether you’re a university student, emerging arts worker, artist, or just someone who thinks critically about art and culture, there’s space at the table. In each session, a well-read friend from the neighbourhood will introduce a text that’s shaping their thinking. We will dig into the ideas together, with a focus on how global conversations might translate locally. Hosts for 2026 include Nicholas Aloisio-Shearer (Institute of Modern Art), Holly Anderson (artist), Madeline Brewer (Institute of Modern Art), Elena Dias-Jayasinha (Museum of Brisbane), Holly Eddington (Milani Gallery), Jocelyn Flynn (UQ Art Museum), Tay Haggarty (Outer Space), Llewellyn Millhouse (Wreckers), and Holly Riding (State Library of Queensland).

To kick off Essay Club, join Madeline Brewer as she dissects Claire Bishop’s The Social Turn (2006), and Maria Lind’s The Collaborative Turn (2007), examining artists’ longstanding interest in collectivity and collaboration. Together, we’ll unpick these texts to ask: Why do artists want or need to connect with the public through art? Is meaningful social engagement possible? Is the art gallery an appropriate venue? How and when is ‘community’ manufactured? Is collaboration always ‘good’?

Brewer will discuss her path to working as Manager of Public Programs and Education at the IMA, her curatorial and regional experience, and share examples of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ collaborative projects she has worked on. She will also give an overview of Essay Club—key dates for the rest of the year and what to expect. Don’t miss it. Join us for pizza and cold drinks. Everyone is welcome, but space is limited. Registration is essential. We will email you the essays upon registration.