Meet the Creative Team | FRIEND

In this conversation, the creative team behind FRIEND sit down with Callum Stewart, Partnerships and Industry Lead at NCM, to reflect on the ideas, relationships and design-led thinking that shaped the exhibition.

Senior Curator Jemimah Widdicombe, Head of Exhibitions Megan Cassar and Exhibition Designer Ryohei Murakami of studioBOWL discuss the collaborative process behind building one of NCM’s most playful and immersive exhibitions. From early sketches and colour palettes to audience experience, slow engagement and the challenges of creating a space that invites curiosity, conversation and discovery.

Together, they unpack how FRIEND became an exhibition about the intimate relationships between humans and machines, and how collaboration across curatorial, design and production teams helped bring that vision to life.

Jemimah Widdicombe leads the development of temporary exhibitions as Senior Curator at the National Communication Museum (NCM) in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. Her work focuses on the intersection of culture and technology, and is underpinned by foundations in human interaction research & design and cultural production.

Jemimah’s curatorial career spans over a decade of interdisciplinary projects, including strategic exhibitions, collections and content roles at Museums Victoria and the University of Melbourne, coupled with extensive experience in digital research, education and cultural program coordination in Kanaky New Caledonia and France.

村上諒平 | Ryohei Murakami is a Japanese artist and designer known for his innovative approach to spatial design and object creation. He is the founder of studioBOWL, where he leads projects that combine various materials and design elements to create unique, functional art pieces. Murakami's work spans interior installations, furniture design, and art direction, often incorporating interactive and immersive elements. His designs aim to challenge conventional perceptions and encourage new ways of experiencing space and form.

Megan Cassar is the Head of Exhibitions at the National Communication Museum (NCM), bringing more than a decade of experience developing and delivering exhibitions across cultural institutions.

Originally trained in photography, Megan holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Photography) and began her career in the UK working in image research and rights management. She later joined Museums Victoria, contributing to a range of award-winning exhibitions across science and cultural programming.

Before joining NCM, Megan worked at Science Gallery Melbourne, managing the development and production of the major exhibition Mental. At NCM, she leads the production and delivery of exhibitions across the museum, guiding projects from early concept through to final installation.

Filmed and edited by Dave MeagherInterviewed by Callum StewartTranslation by Chris Poole Translation