The Museum of Understanding Through Tolerance and Inclusion (MUTTI) is a registered charity run by volunteers that was founded in 2022. The seed to develop MUTTI originated in 2000 when human rights artist and social documentarian Belinda Mason OAM began conceiving, producing and delivering socio-cultural multi-media projects that created a platform for marginalised communities to advocate for social justice.
What underpins this success is the decision to empower those with lived experience of marginalisation and discrimination to be the leaders of conversations that can raise public awareness and inform social policy by speaking at key events in their local communities, and on the global stage. These compelling human rights projects have enabled the participants to showcase their work and host events at the 2013 United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in Geneva, 2013 and 2016 UN Commission on the Rights of Persons with Disability in Geneva, the 2014 UN World Conference on Indigenous Persons in New York as well as the 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2025 UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
Today, MUTTI invites diverse artists to collaborate with marginalised communities through diverse mediums, including theatre, music, film, photography, and literature, to empower and amplify the voices of those often unheard. By artists co-creating thought-provoking artistic expressions that challenge the harms caused by discrimination, the dignity of marginalised individuals is respectfully upheld. This approach emphasises the power of empathy, tolerance, and inclusion to boost self-worth, foster a sense of belonging, and strengthen community bonds.
Chris Knierim is an internationally recognised designer and builder whose career spans over twenty-five years in Australia, the United States and Europe. He established Designer Constructions Group in 2001, achieving early success in Manhattan before continuing to design award winning hospitality venues in London and across Europe. Deeply committed to environmentally sensitive practice, he founded Code Green to advance sustainable design for Australian conditions. His work has been showcased on Grand Designs Australia, Better Homes and Gardens, Best Houses Australia and CNN, and has earned more than fifty design and construction awards, including the Master Builders National Excellence in Construction Award and the HIA GreenSmart Australian Home of the Year. Chris is CEO of BDAA and ABSA and Chair of the Australian Design Alliance.
Dr Denise Beckwith is a dedicated social worker and academic with extensive experience in the disability-rights sector. She is currently a Level A Lecturer within the School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University. Denise has made significant contributions to organisations like People With Disability Australia and Blur Projects, where she serves as a Disability Advisor and Consultant. She collaborates with Belinda Mason Knierim OAM on various initiatives, including representation at UN conventions and documentary photography projects. Denise’s inspiring journey as a Paralympian swimmer is featured in Belinda’s influential exhibition, ‘Intimate Encounters’. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) and has a PhD in Social Work.
Colin Watego OAM, also known as Uncle Col, is a highly respected Bundjalung, Torres Strait Islander, and South Pacific Islander man with a distinguished military career spanning over 43 years. He served proudly in the Australian Artillery, including active service in East Timor in 1999. Uncle Col held esteemed positions within the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery, and his commitment to honouring the warrior spirit of Indigenous Australians led to significant roles in ceremonies and recruitment initiatives. In his retirement, he continues to empower youth as the CEO of TRYP Consultancy, inspiring them to embrace their warrior spirit and serve their community and country. Uncle Col’s contributions have been recognised with the Order of Australia Medal – Military Division in 2016.
Belinda Mason OAM is the founder of MUTTI. A passionate multimedia artist and social documentarian, Belinda has spent over 25 years co-creating thought- provoking, collaborative art projects that empower marginalised communities to advocate for their human rights. Belinda’s projects are exhibited internationally. from community centres to the United Nations, and are part of the permanent collections of museums and galleries in Australia and overseas. A recipient of the Blake, Moran, and many other art awards, and a published author, Belinda has spoken at the United Nations on several occasions. She holds a Bachelor of Communications, a Master of Human Rights, and is currently a PhD student. Belinda was awarded the OAM in 2023 for her contributions to the arts and human rights.
Justine Topfer is a curator and arts project manager with experience across Australia and internationally, delivering projects that engage diverse audiences and communities.
At MUTTI (Museum of Understanding Through Tolerance and Inclusion), Justine plays a leadership role supporting the Director in the development and delivery of exhibitions, programs, and partnerships that centre inclusion, social understanding, and lived experience. With collaboration, creativity, and community at the centre of her work, Justine is known for her ability to move projects from concept to delivery.
A proud Gooreng Gooreng woman and Aunty in Residence at MUTTI, Aunty Dixie Link-Gordon is a respected Community Educator and Advocate, recognised nationally for her leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Aunty Dixie collaborates closely with Belinda Mason OAM and MUTTI empowering First Nations women who have experienced trauma and disadvantage. A founding member of Mudgin-gal Aboriginal Women’s Corporation and coordinator of Aboriginal Women’s Advisory Network, Aunty Dixie is the Founder of Breaking Silent Codes Network challenging First Nations family violence and homelessness.
Drawing on her many roles over 30 years at Telstra, and her service as an army reservist, Paula Karydis has volunteered to support Blur Projects and MUTTI for over 20 years.
Her contributions include office and project administration, research, editing, proofreading, bookkeeping, logistics and exhibition installation. Paula has been involved in all the activations of MUTTI’s UNSEEN Arts Hub, including the 2023 Tour of NSW regional and remote towns. She was also assistant editor and researcher for MUTTI’s publication, ‘Serving Country’, honouring the service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander military veterans.
Jai Jaru is a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse woman with disability whose lived experience of violence and homelessness informs her community service and advocacy.
Finding purpose and connection amongst the homelessness community, Jai has volunteered for many organisations and initiatives, including Homeless in Focus and St John’s Rough Edges. Since 2021, Jai has been a founding member of the UNSEEN Women Artist Group, and a Diversity Consultant, and Community Engagement Officer for MUTTI’s UNSEEN Arts Hub, championing the rights of women with lived experience of housing insecurity in Greater Sydney, regional NSW, and at the UN.
