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Curtin Library’s new Creative-in-Residence pilot program has brought colour, connection and creativity to campus life. Our pilot project, held in the first weeks of Semester 1, invited student artists to explore sustainability through collaborative art making – turning the Library into a living studio and a space for shared expression.
The inaugural residency was awarded to a Master of Fine Art student, Mimi Komaladi, whose journey from corporate finance to community art brings a unique depth to her practice. Having started with portrait drawing in high school, she later pursued painting while working in Singapore, balancing her career in Corporate Treasury with a growing commitment to the arts. Formal training, volunteer leadership in a corporate arts group, and postgraduate study at Curtin University have shaped a practice grounded in identity, community, and creative reuse.
2025 Creative-in-Residence, Mimi Komaladi
Mimi explained that the Library residency “offered a unique opportunity to integrate my artistic practice with community engagement.” She sees the Library as an ideal environment for collaborative projects.
Throughout the residency, the artist hosted five hands-on workshops for Curtin staff and students, focused on weaving and paper flower making. Using recycled yarn, fabric scraps, and crepe paper, participants co-created elements of a large-scale installation anchored by the WAIT (Western Australian Institute of Technology) logo –an emblem of Curtin’s origins and its evolving identity.
The final artwork, now on display as part of the Level 3 A Path to Sustainability exhibition, celebrates both the creative process and the power of community collaboration. Crocheted flowers, woven panels, and delicate paper blooms form a vibrant tapestry that underscores the value of reusing materials and making art together.
“I hope students and staff come away from my residency feeling inspired by the possibilities of creating art from recycled materials,” she says. “I want to show that beautiful, meaningful art doesn’t require expensive supplies, just a bit of creativity and curiosity.”
The Creative-in-Residence program is part of Curtin Library’s broader commitment to innovation, sustainability, and student engagement. Designed to support emerging creatives with mentorship, materials, and a corner of the iconic Makerspace, the pilot project sets the stage for future residencies that turn the library into a platform for expression, experimentation, and impact.
As the pilot residency wraps up, the Library team are working on launching the first full Creative-in-Residence program. Student artists and creatives from all fields (digital, architectural, graphic design, creative writing, fine arts and more) will be invited to apply for a 12-week residency, with applications opening soon. Keep an eye on the Library website and social media for more information in the coming weeks.
Written by Library Exhibitions and Programs Coordinator, Jayne Cleave
