In the creative industries we so often view our big ideas or creative concepts in the first
instance through the lens of naysayers and critics – mentally ticking through all the reasons someone, anyone, even ourselves will block that fabulous big idea.
This month’s Western Riverina Artist of the month and Western Riverina Arts Chair Oumi
Karenga-Hewitt flips this thinking in her creative process by asking herself and the creative
communities around her ‘What if it’s not no? What if there’s the slimmest chance it’s a yes?’
Born in Burundi, Oumi moved to London with her mum and siblings when she was four.
During the school years that followed Oumi was immersed in learning, team sports and
drama, and these set the foundations for her love of collaboration, skill building, language
and story-telling. Continuing her collaborative and creative pathway, Oumi completed a
Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature with Film Studies, with an eclectic
slipstream of activities as an extra and a cheerleader.
“Working as an extra was a great introduction to acting and the film process. Cheerleading
combines team sport with performance and is very physical and trusting. It’s like being in a
sisterhood of strength and power, plus it’s huge amounts of fun!” says Oumi.
In 2015, Oumi and her partner Jake stepped out of their busy London-centric lives for a
working holiday in Australia which provided them with time and distance to reconsider what
the future held for them. The holiday turned into a real life plunge into the community of
Griffith; taking up work, celebrating their marriage and welcoming the arrival of their son
Eli.
Oumi says that she never imagined the types of community and creative activities she has
been able to be part of in Griffith. Signing up for the community production of ‘Wicked - the
Musical’ was a significant turning point in how she felt she ‘fitted’ into life in a regional
town.
“I realised there was a place for me here; I was able to maintain a professional career, and
at the same time sing, dance, and act with an amazing group of people - I was fully engaged and invigorated. It showed me that there are so many creative opportunities here for me and for other creatives, and that I could use what I had learned and share it in the creative community of Griffith, and to learn so much myself just by stepping in.”
“Someone I admire in the film industry said to me ‘Let other people say no.’ She was saying take that risk, chase your ideas, what’s the worst that can happen? Hearing that changed my perspective, particularly when I’m developing ideas, writing or approaching people who I would normally place on a pedestal. It helps when you have to go out of your comfort zone to realise an idea. There’s every chance that someone will say no to the idea, but what if it’s not no? What if it’s a yes? It’s terrifying, but you’ve got to take that risk, and be prepared to try again, pivot, or take the idea somewhere else, just don’t let it go because someone else sees an obstacle.”
“Across my work and personal life, I’ve found myself providing opportunities for people to
find their passion and build their skills. Working at CUC Western Riverina, as well as the
many community groups and projects I’m engaged with. I’ve found a lot of young people
aren’t exposed to career opportunities in the creative industries, feeling they have to be in a metro area to realise their dreams; one of my drivers is helping them see what they can
create as a performer, as an artist, as a writer…and show them the avenues available to
them right here. There is no reason to leave or feel left out.”
Oumi says that culturally her family was always very community driven. “We do things
together – I’m not so interested in doing things by myself, it feels very flat in comparison to
working with a community or team.”
2023 showcased Oumi’s versatility and deep involvement in the creative community; in the cast and crew of ‘The Wedding Singer’, as a teaching artist for NIDA Connect, editing non-
fiction for MONA Magazine, stage managing for TEDx Wagga, convening the Griffith Screen Industry Forum, on the casting and production teams for local short film ‘Lords of the Soil’, positions on several committees and taking on the role of Chair of Western Riverina Arts. Amongst all this Oumi finds time and space for her own writing and production work, and to ‘mini-mentor’ a group of emerging young artists from throughout the region, calling them her ‘kidlets’ and involving them in multiple projects – empowering and teaching throughout.
For Oumi nothing is off limits. She has found a community of makers who share common
ideas and thoughts on stories that are positive and reflective of the community, and is
determined to bring at least some of these stories to light.
“Of course, my days are busy, but if you are doing things that speak to something in you,
and you are with people who make you feel good, valued, and worthwhile, then you are
both productive and valued. I am constantly looking for more diversity, people from all
backgrounds and ages to create a greater sense of belonging in the community. To make
what we do even more magical.”
Words: Gemma Purcell February 2024.
Image: Oumi Karenga-Hewitt, courtesy the artist.
