Creative Industries 2026 Networking Event

Next date: Thursday, 18 June 2026 | 05:30 AM to 08:30 AM

From Practice to Portfolio: The Art of Business

Is AI a friend or foe to the written word?

The Economic Development and Arts & Culture teams at Banyule City Council and Nillumbik Shire Council invite you to join fellow creatives and industry peers for an inspiring conversation about building sustainable creative careers.

This panel event will explore how artistic practice can translate into real-world opportunities, diversified income streams and long-term viability—without losing sight of individual creative identity. Designed for creatives across disciplines, the discussion will delve into the practical realities of balancing passion with sustainability.

Hear from local artists Clare Dunstan, Pia Nesvara and Fleassy Malay as they share candid, real-world experiences of expanding beyond a single revenue source. The panellists will discuss how they apply creative flair alongside strategic, business-minded thinking, addressing questions such as: How do you maintain creative integrity while navigating commercial realities? And how do you identify business opportunities that genuinely align with your creative strengths?

The conversation will be expertly facilitated by Debby Maziarz, who brings deep experience in shaping “fundable” ideas and creative entrepreneurship. Together, the panel will unpack the many facets of the art of business.

Following the discussion, stay to connect with peers over light refreshments, with special live music from Pia to close the evening.

Debby Maziarz - Moderator

Debby Maziarz (she/her) is a Naarm based community development practitioner and creative entrepreneur.

She mentors artists and organisations to develop strong plans for resourcing their work and creative practice.

Known for identifying innovative and ‘fundable’ ideas, Debby has a strong track record in securing funds and building value-based strategic partnerships.

She founded the Westside Circus, a social circus for young people and DMP, an arts leadership practice based in Nillumbik.

Clare Dunstan - Panellist

Clare Dunstan is a local illustrator and artist working primarily in watercolour and mixed media.

Her work explores storytelling through animals, nature, and the quiet joys found in everyday life.

She runs the small creative studio Tog & Pini, producing original artworks, prints, and illustrated products, and enjoys sharing her love of art through workshops and community arts initiatives.

Clare illustrated the children’s book Michael the Volcano Engineer (Brave Brain Books, 2024) and hopes to complete her own picture books in the near future.

Fleassy Malay - Panellist

Two times TEDx speaker, award winning poet and multidisciplinary artist, Fleassy Malay, is an internationally renowned, evocative and powerful spoken word artist, speaker and educator.

They are a global advocate for Women’s and LGBTQI+ rights and a fierce voice for the power of authenticity and courage as a social change tool.

Fleassy is the founder of Melbourne’s acclaimed NFP organisation and women's spoken word event, Mother Tongue Poetry.

Winner of the Reciter of the year 2022 National Folk Festival Prize they also represented Melbourne at Slamovision in Dublin Unesco City of Literature in 2025 coming 5th place globally.

Fleassy was also on the first slam team to represent Australia in the National Poetry Slam USA in 2017. 

Pia Nesvara - Panellist

Pia Nesvara is a Chilean-Australian multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and creative based in Melbourne. Blending folk, soul, Latin, and jazz influences, her music pairs gutsy vocals with bold lyricism, exploring themes of resilience, healing, and cultural identity.

A self-taught artist who began busking in the Dandenong Ranges, she has since performed nationally, including at the National Folk Festival, Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, and Queenscliff Music Festival.

Beyond her original work, Pia has built a diverse creative career across session work, weddings and cover gigs, teaching, mentoring, children’s music, and jingle writing. She also facilitates femme-led jam spaces and supports participants through NDIS music programs.

Her work extends into community and event production, including running open mics, booking events, and co-managing markets and festivals. Pia’s career reflects a deep commitment to creating sustainable, multifaceted pathways as an artist—and she will also be performing on the night! 

Join us as we explore as we explore the Art of Business

Light refreshments will be served from 5.30pm.

The event is proudly partnered by the Economic Development and Arts & Culture teams of Nillumbik Shire Council and Banyule City Council.

When

Location

Banyule City Council, Level 4, 1 Flintoff Street, Greensborough, 3095, View map