Gems

Gems is a Naarm/Melbourne-based collective that showcases the work of women & non-binary people. Formally known as F*EMS, Gems is currently co-run by three pals Anna MacNeill, Freya Alexander & Tegan Iversen.

Gems self-produces their zine tri-annually & fill the pages with art & writing by women & non-binary people based in Australia & worldwide. They strive to create a platform that encourages the creativity & talent of women & non-binary people, raises their voices, and has their work seen.

Their collective originated while Freya, Tegan & Cassandra were studying together at the Victorian College of the Arts. They felt the need for a space where their visual art & words were accepted & started using their studio spaces for this purpose - as a place to start conversations, ask questions & provide support. This experience inspired the beginnings of Gems (then FEMS) & in March 2015 Issue 1 was launched.
At the beginning of 2017 a new member, Anna MacNeill joined the team while Cassandra left to focus on her post-graduate studies.

They encourage contributions & collaborations & always aim to be inclusive & accessible. If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, please feel free to get in touch.