Joe Brumm cuts a pretty low profile for someone who has had such a global impact. He is, after all, the creator of TV kids show Bluey and it would be nice to get to know him better.
And we can, thanks to Calile Culture, the series of conversations with creatives hosted by The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley’s swish James Street precinct.
The series is getting quite a following and the chat with Brumm is being held, rather appropriately, on the eve of the November 7 opening at the Northshore Pavilion, Hamilton, of the immersive experience, Bluey’s World.
But on November 6 at The Calile Brumm will be in conversation with Jessica Rudd, the CEO of advocacy organisation The Parenthood and pro-chancellor at Griffith University.
Bluey has become an international cultural phenomenon, with its poignant depiction of an idyllic Brisbane childhood captured beautifully through the eyes of a family of four Blue Heeler dogs.
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The animated TV series has proven to be an impactful soft power tool, positioning Brisbane on the global stage, and Brumm is the man behind it. Sure, he has a team behind him, too, but he’s the main man and what he has created is now beloved the world over.
Brumm is an Australian animator, writer and creator, born and raised in Queensland. He has spent more than two decades in the animation industry, honing his craft and bringing stories to life.
His work on Bluey, which follows the adventures of a playful Blue Heeler puppy and her family, has garnered international acclaim for its heartwarming storytelling and authentic portrayal of family life. Prior to Bluey, Brumm worked on several other animated projects, in Australia and the UK, contributing to his reputation as one of the industry’s most creative and influential voices.
In presenting its conversation series, The Calile Hotel website urges us to think differently about what constitutes culture:
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“When we think of culture, we often think of fine arts, theatre, drama and the power of art to move – blinkered in a narrow, white-cube exclusive view of what constitutes ‘culture’. It is then the most delightful of surprises when that trope is proven wrong. Most culture vultures would not deem children’s animation as a cultural phenomenon, but they would be wrong, of course.
“Bluey has proven that culture is not simply a thing or product, it is an idea, a shared experience, a connection and an understanding that we are more alike than we are different. On paper it is difficult to fathom how an animated Blue Heeler family from the Brisbane suburbs can connect with global audiences in such a powerful way, however the key seems to reside in Brumm’s dedication to authenticity.
“This dedication to honesty in his storytelling is reflected in the writing – these are charming, funny and relatable stories that appeal to adults and children, and even though they are coloured by Brisbane, they are universal in their message.”
Calile Culture at Brisbane’s coolest hotel is a terrific initiative that continues to explore the many facets of creativity and connection. It’s a series of curated conversations, events, partnerships and collaborations that provides both guests and the community with ongoing opportunities to engage, learn, share and be part of a creative and curious exploration of the world.
Calile Culture guests have included the likes of authors Trent Dalton, Suzie Miller, Anna Funder and artist Lindy Lee, among others.
For the Joe Brumm event, The Calile will donate 100 per cent of ticket sales to Juiced TV, an organisation launched by Queensland Children’s Hospital to support and engage young patients during their time in hospital.
(Please note, while children are welcome to attend, this conversation is not tailored for children.)
Calile Culture presents Joe Brumm in conversation with Jessica Rudd, November 6, 6-8pm, The Calile Hotel, Fortitude Valley, tickets $10 donation: https://shorturl.at/FIBDd