Celebrated media producer and photographer Mariana Papaioannou has joined the Board of Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV), marking a significant moment in the organisation’s ongoing transformation. Her appointment follows MAV’s 2025 Annual General Meeting and comes during a period of major transition and strategic renewal.
Known for her passion for inclusive storytelling and her extensive experience in media and the visual arts, Papaioannou is expected to bring a fresh, creative perspective to MAV’s efforts to promote cultural diversity, equity, and access across Victoria’s arts landscape.
Papaioannou’s background spans multiple creative disciplines. She is best known for her work as Line Producer for Network Ten’s The Project, where she oversaw high-impact, socially driven segments alongside well-known figures such as Waleed Aly and Courtney Act. Her role was instrumental in shaping content that raised awareness of underrepresented stories, supported nationwide fundraising efforts, and even helped influence policy — including contributing to the campaign that led to Victoria’s ban on single-use plastic bags.
Outside of broadcast media, she has earned acclaim as a photographer and community arts practitioner. Her charity photobook Kiss Goodbye to MS successfully raised funds for multiple sclerosis research, while her artist residency at Burrinja Cultural Centre resulted in powerful visual work rooted in social themes and community engagement.
In 2024, she collaborated with MAV as a producer for Retrospection: 50 Years of Multicultural Arts Victoria, a milestone legacy project that explored the organisation’s founding and evolution. Her documentary-style interviews — including a feature with MAV founder Mike Zafiropoulos — helped bring the organisation’s rich history to life and underscored her alignment with MAV’s mission.
Her appointment coincides with a major leadership change at MAV. The organisation recently farewelled CEO Lauren Mullings, under whose guidance MAV expanded its impact through high-profile initiatives such as Retrospection, the Beyond Tokenism report, and a partnership with Melbourne Polytechnic Preston. Mullings also secured multi-year funding for the flagship programs Powered By and NEWPRINT, both of which support emerging artists and producers from culturally diverse backgrounds.
With Daizy Maan stepping in as Acting CEO, MAV’s Board is also undergoing a strategic refresh. Papaioannou joins alongside new board members Hiten Bawa and Tienyi Long, while Linda Catalano and Patrizia Fimiani have been reappointed. Collectively, the board now reflects broad expertise across governance, the arts, policy, and community engagement.
The timing is opportune. Thanks to renewed support from the Victorian Government’s 10,000 Gigs initiative, including $200,000 for NEWPRINT, MAV will support over 50 culturally diverse artists and producers through 2026. With the upcoming rollout of its 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, the organisation is poised to enter a bold new phase of artist-led, equity-focused growth.
Mariana Papaioannou’s appointment reinforces MAV’s commitment to leadership that reflects the communities it serves — and her voice will no doubt play a vital role in shaping an inclusive, vibrant future for the creative sector in Victoria.
