ILA’s new creative director, Melissa Lee, co-creates programs that unite creativity, technology and community, supporting ILA’s role as a pioneering venue for multi-faceted immersive experiences. Here, she shares her favourite things in life.
Describe the best day of your life.
From a career perspective, it was watching the raw footage from my first-ever shoot at university and realising I’d found my path.
What brings you joy in life?
Dancing to a great song. Watching a film that shifts your world. Witnessing random acts of kindness by strangers. Traveling to new places. Spending time with friends who love you for you.
Best advice you’ve been given?
My mother always told me, ‘nunchi bwa.’ In Korean it means ‘read the room’— don’t just listen to words. Pay attention to what’s unsaid in body language, silence, and atmosphere.
Most treasured photograph?
I have hundreds of treasured photos (!!), but this one of Ollie (who lives in the Netherlands) is one of my favourites. Ollie is a cat who thinks he’s a dog, so I got both of my favourite animals in one furry soulmate.
Best meal you’ve ever eaten?
Tough call! Either a sun-soaked lunch in Lefkada, Greece, or the freshest sashimi I’ve ever had in Obama, Japan.
Best qualities of your favourite person?
My mum (sadly no longer with us). She was wise, fearless and generous, and the most intelligent person I’ve ever known.
Top 5 songs on your Spotify playlist?
The Space in Between by Jan Blomqvist;
A Train by Coma;
Moments by Ben Böhmer;
Fever by Oscar and the Wolf;
Magic Love by Bent
Best purchase?
A vintage German Paul Secon woven perspex lamp I bought in Amsterdam.
