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 diverse voices and unites communities through the transformative power of the arts.
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.
Mission
Open Scene is a Latin-led creative hub that celebrates global culture through multivocal performances and unexpected experiences, bringing people together across Orlando.
Vision
At Open Scene, we envision a world where art creates deep connections, unites people, and showcases the richness of plural artistic and cultural experiences. We are committed to expanding creative opportunities, ensuring a platform for a wide range of artistic voices.
Our work highlights unexpected narratives and cultivates a greater appreciation for artistic and cultural expression. By presenting varied perspectives and creating spaces for meaningful exchange, we aim to build a more connected, dynamic, and thriving artistic landscape—one where all forms of creativity are valued and celebrated.
Values
In OpenScene we believe in the transformative power of the arts to cultivate more cohesive, plural, and empathic societies.
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Cultural Awareness: We amplify plural voices through multiple artistic and cultural expressions, nurturing meaningful dialogue and shared stories that unite communities, bridging cultural and social divides to inspire deeper understanding and connection.
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Access to High-Quality Multivocal Experiences: We provide enriching, welcoming cultural experiences, reducing financial, physical, and cultural limitations, cultivating togetherness, and contributing to the growth of local economies.
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Respect and Sustainability: We are committed to integrity, cultural richness, and fairness in all we do—from the creative experiences we produce to the equitable compensation we provide—ensuring that a wide range of perspectives are acknowledged, valued, 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
PARTNERSHIPS
