Monday 28 September, 1pm (60mins duration)
Online (link will be sent to ticketholders prior to the event)
This compelling conversation brings together First Nations creatives Ben Armstrong and Jarra Karalinar Steel with Maori artist and designer Preston McNeil, to explore storytelling across digital and physical spaces.
Join three leading creatives for a dynamic conversation inspired by Arca Arcade: Round One, exploring how games and art can challenge assumptions, amplify underrepresented voices, and create new ways of telling stories.
Together, this conversation explores how digital games can reflect First Nations ways of knowing, connecting past, present and future through rich, non-linear storytelling. Drawing on extensive experience digital media, Blak Futurism and cultural self-determination, the speakers will discuss how contemporary games can create space for First Nations and Traditional Owner stories, perspectives and experiences.
The panel will also share insights into who gets represented, who gets to tell stories, and how creative technologies can expand opportunities for cultural expression, connection and belonging.
Whether you’re interested in art, gaming, education or culture, this is a conversation not to miss. Join us and be part of the discussion. Book your place today.
REGISTER HERE: https://www.trybooking.com/DPXMV
Artist Bios
Ben Armstrong
Ben Armstrong (Wiradjuri) has worked in the technology and creative industries for over 25 years. Ben works to break down systemic barriers so that Indigenous people can thrive and have a future powered by choice. Ben created, wrote, produced and Dungeon Mastered the first all-Indigenous D&D actual play in Australia and has a published short story based on characters and stories from his tabletop campaigns. Ben was one of the 2024 recipients for the AGDAs Rising Star Award which honours people who have made significant contributions to the Australian Games Industry in the past five years. Currently, Ben is the Creative Director and Narrative Writer on a videogame project based on his short story called Buru and The Old People.
Preston McNeil
Preston is an award-winning designer, artist, and maker based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa New Zealand. With a background in animation, design, and fabrication, these tangible works explore the intersection of culture, technology, and play, often drawing inspiration from arcade gaming, digital media, and hands-on craftsmanship. Through projects ranging from custom arcade machines to public exhibitions and sculptural objects, Preston reimagines familiar forms as opportunities for connection, participation, and storytelling. Preston continues to develop projects across art, design, and technology, guided by a lifelong curiosity for how people interact with objects, spaces, and each other.
Jarra Karalinar Steel
Jarra is a multidisciplinary artist known for her Curation of the Melbourne Rising Art trams, her Melbourne Art Tram, powerful LED Wurrung work, poster art, large-scale public installations, augmented reality, games and commemorative signage. Jarra is of the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boonwurrung, Wemba Wemba and Pairrebeenne/Trawlwoolway. Jarra’s work explores her identity, memories, future folklore, and lived experiences growing up in Melbourne and living on country surrounded by culture with knowledge passed down through her family and Elders. Jarra’s focus on looking at ways to insert contemporary cultural visual language into the urban and/or digital landscape by reclaiming space and belonging through visual storytelling. Jarra is the current Rupert Bunny Visual Arts Fellowship recipient.
Image credit: Rob Carew, Arca Arcade: Round One, exhibition view, Cardinia Cultural Centre, 2026.
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