
Interdisciplinary artist Grace Dlabik joins The Unkles to explore how Melanesian knowledge systems shape her work across sculpture, curation, creative direction, and community practice. With roots in Hanuabada (Motuan clan Botai) and Lese Oalai (Lavaipia clan), Grace shares how her roles as Mama, carer & aunty inform an ecosystem of care, culture & collaboration, and how platforms like BE. Collective and BE. ONE. champion underrepresented creatives globally. We talk identity, place, reciprocity, and creating space for PNG voices in contemporary art—timed with PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations and the Returning Home exhibition/programme in Port Moresby (Harbourside South, Sept 10–23).