Photo Credit: Georgia R Haynes
The role of the artist is exactly the same as the role of the lover. If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don't see. - James Baldwin
My name is Emma Ismawi, I am a Sarawak Malay/Australian artist, designer and educator living on the unceded lands of the Woiwurrung and Boon Wurrung people in Naarm/Birrarung-ga (Melbourne.)
I am committed to shifting the paradigm for historically excluded communities through purposeful design and illustration that educates, inspires and empowers. My hope is that the work I do will help envision and build an inclusive world.
When I'm not creating I spend my time teaching design, tutoring in homework clubs and EAL classes and making and organising in creative collectives.
Animated movies, cats and strong coffee make me happy.
Australian Good Design Award Best in Class for Social Design: Education Systems, Boonwurrung Relational Seasonal Calendar, 2026
Australian Good Design Award for Social Impact, Boonwurrung Relational Seasonal Calendar, 2026
Prime Minister’s Literary Awards shortlist, Anti-Racism Kit, Hardie Grant Children's Publishing, 2025
CBCA Book of the Year - Eve Powell Notable: Anti-Racism Kit, Hardie Grant Children's Publishing, 2025
Featured Artwork inMuchacha Fanzine, Global Solidarity, 2024
City Stories, City of Melbourne for Melbourne Design Week, 2023
Emma's Dream, interview & campaign, Collarts, 2022
Represent Us, Plan International Australia, 2022
Top Designs exhibition launch guest speaker, 2022
Where are you from?, story, 2021
Transcendent Futures Exhibition - Centre for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at Brown University, 2020
Production assistant for Haiveta by BE. for Biennale of Sydney, 2020
Amplifier Global Open Call Campaign, 2020