Meet the Team Behind OpenScene:
Champions of Creativity and Global Culture
Our Story
Open Scene was founded by Thamara Bejarano, a Venezuelan immigrant who turned to the arts to rebuild her life in a new country. Leaving behind a successful career in journalism and academia, she created Open Scene to foster creativity, connection, and cultural exchange.
Today, Open Scene uplifts global voices and unites communities through the transformative power of the arts.
Connecting Communities Through the Arts
Mission
Open Scene is a Latin-led nonprofit organization that produces high-quality, multicultural artistic experiences connecting Orlando to the world.
Vision
At Open Scene, we envision art forging profound connections, uniting communities, and showcasing multicultural creative voices. We expand opportunities and platforms for global narratives and vibrant cultural exchange, shaping a dynamic landscape where all forms of creativity are valued and celebrated.
Values
At Open Scene, we harness the transformative power of the arts to build more connected, pluralistic, and empathetic communities.
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Plural Voices: We showcase global artistic expressions and spark dialogues that bridge social and cultural divides.
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Inclusive Access: We deliver high-quality, welcoming experiences, removing barriers so everyone can participate and local economies can flourish.
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Integrity & Fairness: We champion cultural richness and equitable pay, ensuring every perspective is respected and honored.
Board of Directors
We proudly introduce our esteemed board members—a remarkable group of multidisciplinary professionals who bring a wealth of expertise and passion to our organization. These leaders are not only distinguished in their respective fields but also deeply committed to Open Scene's mission and vision. Their dedication reflects our commitment to broad perspectives, artistic excellence, and community-driven impact.
Melissa Bambusi
Secretary
Estefanía Herrera
Director
Inmaculada Lozano
Director
José Miguel Pérez
Treasurer
Gisela Romero
Chair
Mariela Saad
Director
Meet The Founder & Executive Director
Thamara Bejarano
A journalist with postgraduate degrees in Audiovisual Management and Media Education, Thamara has an extensive academic background as a film professor at the School of Social Communication and the postgraduate school at the Central University of Venezuela. Beyond academia, she has worked as a journalist, communications consultant, and audiovisual producer. In 2019, she founded Open Scene to expand Central Florida’s cultural landscape and increase Latin representation in the arts.
She is a fellow of the International Society of Performing Arts and an active member of the Inter-American Press Association, the Dramatists Guild of America, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture, and the Venezuelan National College of Journalists. Her expertise has led to multiple invitations as a panelist for the State of Florida Division of Arts and Culture grants and an appointment to the Orange County Cultural Plan Steering Committee.