Who we are

Founded in Melbourne, Australia in July 2019, Society for Open Communication Inc. was established by five individuals with a shared vision of preserving cultures and amplifying diverse voices. Since its inception, the organization has grown into a significant multicultural force, frequently awarded grants by the Victorian Government in recognition of its contributions to cross-cultural dialogue and artistic engagement.

 At the heart of our organization is Judit Vajda an accomplished cultural manager, journalist, and literary writer - editor, who serves as the Cultural Manager of Society for Open Communication Inc. With a strong background in cultural diplomacy, grant writing, and talent development, she has successfully secured over $350,000 so far through phylantrophic and donor engagement in funding for various arts, education, and community development projects. Her expertise spans content creation, stakeholder engagement, and international collaborations, making her a key advocate for First Nations and multicultural artists on the global stage.

 Our Projects & Achievements

What began as a literary project soon evolved into a dynamic platform for global artistic exchange. The organization launched Magyar Tükör (Hungarian Mirror), Australia’s second Hungarian-language news and literary journal, which quickly became a respected literary magazine featuring the works of nearly 40 writers and journalists worldwide. 

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Magyar Tükör became a vital space for creative expression, publishing hundreds of literary reflections on the global crisis. Writers and artists from Australia, the USA, Hungary, Vienna-Austria, Denmark, and the African continent shared their experiences, offering unique insights into the psychological and societal effects of isolation. These contributions were later compiled into an internationally published book, Vírusnapló (The Lockdown Diaries), featuring 250 of the most compelling works from that period.

 Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Society for Open Communication continued to support artistic communities by:

• Operating and Managing essential news and cultural coverage to the Hungarian diaspora living in Australia through Magyar Tükör.

• Advocating for Australia’s forgotten Hungarian artists, ensuring their legacy is recognized.

• Supporting Ukrainian artists and refugees, raising funds and donations for displaced creatives.

• Curating and promoting independent films through a partnership with ArtBeats, formerly - Contemporary Arts Media, https://expcinema.org/site/en/directory/contemporary-arts-media which houses a collection of over 2,500 films, including First Nations films and documentaries from around the world available exclusively on Bloomsbury Media. https://www.bloomsburyvideolibrary.com

• Collaborating with INSPIREFLIX, an independent documentary production company and platform dedicated to documenting human-interest stories, including the experiences of First Nations Australians. https://inspireflix.com

• Co-producing a documentary about Ukrainian refugees in Melbourne, Australia, in collaboration with renowned film producer and former SBS Hungarian Multicultural Features host, Zoltan Janos. https://www.linkedin.com/in/janos-zoltan-73bb76a7/?originalSubdomain=au

Preserving and recognising diaspora art

The culture and philosophy of the diaspora are unique treasures that must be preserved and passed down to future generations. Across the world, nations and communities are being recognized for offering peace, refuge, and support to persecuted artists. Many of Hungary's most renowned emigrant artists spent their formative years in self-imposed or forced exile, creating works that have since become integral to global cultural heritage, capturing the essence of a bygone era; . Sándor Márai, László Moholy-Nagy, Lajos Kassák, André Kertész, Breuer Marcell, Victor Vasarely, Robert Capa and many more who gave their special perspective on society while being an emigrant. Famous Australian Hungarians such as Judy Cassab, Desiderius Orban, Claire Dan, and many more arriving after them, are legendary testaments of human survival, success and prosperity.

Making the news

Magyar Tükör is the only independent, self-founded news source dedicated to serving the Hungarian diaspora. Since its inception, the magazine has remained committed to delivering reliable, in-depth reporting on both local and international affairs, ensuring that Hungarian communities in Australia stay informed and connected.

As a trusted platform, Magyar Tükör not only covers news but also fosters meaningful discussions, amplifies diaspora voices, and preserves Hungarian cultural identity abroad. In addition to its role in independent journalism, the magazine serves as a vital channel for governmental communication when needed, providing the diaspora with accurate and relevant updates on policies, legal matters, and diplomatic affairs that affect Hungarian communities.

With a steadfast commitment to journalistic integrity and a passion for strengthening ties within the global Hungarian network, Magyar Tükör continues to be a vital source of news, insight, and cultural exchange.

Our New Projects

In a very ambitious move, Society for Open Communication is dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and amplifying diverse voices through the power of storytelling, cinema, moving image, performing and visual arts, and music. We serve as a bridge between communities, connecting cultures and creating meaningful dialogue between Australia’s First Nations creatives and European audiences.

Through partnerships with institutions, cultural organizations, and educational institutions, SFOC facilitates unique opportunities for Indigenous Australian filmmakers, musicians, and artists to share their work on an international stage. By curating film festivals, workshops, and live performances, we ensure that First Nations stories are not only seen and heard but deeply understood and appreciated across borders.

Our Mission

• Cultural Exchange: We bring Australia’s First Nations artists to European audiences, fostering a greater appreciation for Indigenous storytelling, traditions, and contemporary expressions.

• Educational Impact: By collaborating with universities, schools, and film academies, we integrate Indigenous perspectives into academic and artistic discussions, creating a space for learning and dialogue.

• Institutional Partnerships: We work closely with museums, film organizations, embassies, and cultural centers to provide platforms for First Nations talent to showcase their work.

• Sustainable Connections: Our projects aim for long-term collaboration, ensuring ongoing engagement beyond single events or screenings.

Dreaming Across Borders: First Nations Film & Cultural Exchange

One of our flagship initiatives, the First Nations Film Festival – Dreaming Across Borders, embodies our vision of cultural connection. Through interactive workshops, screenings, and live discussions with Indigenous filmmakers and artists, we create spaces for intercultural dialogue that resonate beyond the festival itself.

By bridging worlds and fostering understanding, SFOC is committed to making First Nations voices an integral part of global cultural conversations.

“The culture we carry, does not stop at country borders.
Our philosophy, beliefs, way of life are the essence of what we are as living, working, creative citizen of other societies.”