About us
We are a Mexican led, not-for-profit creative arts collective based in Magandjin/Meeanjin (Brisbane). In 2024 we formed CAC with the intention of countering Western commodification and misrepresentation of Mexican cultures, by advocating for authentic storytelling and meaningful representation through visual arts spaces.
We draw our name from the Nahuatl word ‘Cempoaxochitl’, which combines cempoalli (20 or many) and xochitl (flower), to mean ‘flower of many petals’. Just as the flower is composed of many petals, the collective brings together artists and creatives to create beautiful and culturally strong spaces that reflect our heritage and lived experiences in both Mexico and so-called ‘Australia’.
Our Vision
To provide a platform for Mexican artists to share their art and stories in ‘Australia’, fostering spaces for representation, empowerment, cultural exchange, and unique storytelling. We aim to create accessible visual arts events that function to:
- Foster dialogue between diverse Mexican artists and the local arts communities, particularly First Nations Australian communities and artists.
- Increasing exposure and income opportunities for Mexican artists in ‘Australia’ and work towards community driven and collaborative projects in the future.
- Create culturally significant spaces in collaboration with the local Mexican community to honour and celebrate our cultures together.
- Invite the broader community to deepen their understanding of Mexican culture through visual arts and storytelling.
Our location
We are committed to always being Mexican-led and strive to collaborate with emerging Mexican creatives in both ‘Australia’ and Mexico. Our practice is underpinned by decolonial and anti-oppressive frameworks, seeking to redefine art beyond the Eurocentric lens of Western Art history towards a model that emphasizes community, relationality, accountability, and social justice. Recognizing the art world's often exclusionary practices towards BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour), Queer, and diverse artists, aiming to challenge these dynamics through representation.
As Mexican peoples, immigrants and migrants, we acknowledge our work in so-called ‘Australia’ occurs on Aboriginal lands and recognise the responsibility and accountability this entails. We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands, waters, and skies of Magandjin/Meeanjin (Brisbane) and across ‘Australia’.
'As visitors, migrants and immigrants, we acknowledge our work in so-called Australia occurs on unceded Aboriginal lands. Originary (First Nations) peoples have been creating art on these lands since time immemorial and it is with great respect and gratitude that we are able to share our cultures and stories here. We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands, waters, and skies of Magandjin/Meanjin and across 'Australia'.
