What are Artform Boards?
Create NSW welcomes the contribution of Artform Boards in NSW.
Artform Board members include professional artists, producers, cultural workers, and leaders from across the sector.
The purpose of the boards is to assess applications made to the Arts and Cultural Funding Program and provide recommendations.
The Boards help promote a transparent and streamlined funding process for NSW-based professional artists, practitioners and organisations.
2025/26 Artform Board members
Find out who is on each board, including the Board's focus, current members and chair.
Current until September 2026.
First Nations Arts and Culture
First Nations artistic and cultural expression is based on traditional and contemporary practice. Arts and culture are intrinsic to contemporary First Nations society and an important part of the social fabric of NSW’s First Nations communities.
The First Nations Arts and Culture Artform Board:
- Embraces the principles of First Nations self-determination.
- Encourages First Nations arts and culture to be at the centre of funded activity. This benefits First Nations artists, arts and cultural workers, organisations, and communities.
Members
Bronwyn Bancroft AM - Chair

Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft AM is a Bundjalung Woman and Artist. Her professional career as an artist began following her graduation from the Canberra School of Arts in 1980.
Bronwyn’s career has included both national and international exhibitions. Her work has been acquired by major Australian galleries, state libraries and private collections.
Bronwyn’s contribution to Indigenous literature has been immense and has included the creation of 48 books. Bronwyn has received the Dromkeen Medal and the Lady Cutler Award for her services to children’s literature and has been nominated for prestigious international awards including the Hans Christian Andersen and the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Awards.
Bronwyn is a Founding Member of Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative (est. 1987) and has been the Co-operative’s volunteer senior strategist since 2009. Bronwyn is a volunteer and advocate for equality and contributes her extensive expertise to a number of community organisations and not for profits. Bronwyn is a Board member/Director of Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), The Returning and the Commonwealth Bank Indigenous Advisory Council.
Bronwyn has a Diploma of Visual Arts, two Masters degrees and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Sydney. Bronwyn was the 2020 recipient of the University of Sydney’s Alison Bush Graduate Medal for her contribution to the Indigenous community.
- Aleshia Lonsdale – A multidisciplinary artist, curator, and Aboriginal Arts Development Officer, Aleshia is a Wiradjuri woman from Mudgee with over 20 years of experience in the Arts and Culture sector. As an alumnus of the National Gallery of Australia’s Wesfarmers Indigenous Leadership Program, she is a skilled leader with a deep commitment to governance, financial management, and supporting arts initiatives in regional NSW.
- David Leha – With 20 years as a First Nations singer-songwriter, David brings a wealth of expertise in both the arts and strategic planning. Currently a Senior Planner for Country Transport at Transport for NSW and a Board Member for Create NSW's Aboriginal Arts and Culture Artform Advisory Board, David also provides strategic advice to the NSWALC Fishing Advisory Committee, shaping sustainable funding and development initiatives across multiple sectors.
- Jennifer Johnson – A multi-disciplinary artist and curator, Bindimu specialises in Indigenous weaving, wearable art, and artefacts, with a deep commitment to preserving traditional arts practices and cultural integrity. Since becoming a full-time artist in 2018, she has developed a distinctive aesthetic and curated impactful exhibitions, including her solo show "Numbuh" at Boomalli Aboriginal Art Gallery.
- Lyndsay Urquhart – Lyndsay is a dynamic interdisciplinary artist and curator from Western Sydney whose works are deeply inspired by lived experiences and community collaborations. Career highlights include curating the National Indigenous Art Fair, directing over 30 short documentaries (two of which aired on SBS/NITV), and working with incarcerated and rehabilitated individuals, where she believes real change can emerge through creative expression.
- Margaret Ross – A Dunghutti/Gumbayngiir creative professional with over 15 years of experience, Margaret brings expertise in developing and producing content across broadcast and digital platforms, championing diversity and cultural safety. Her proven track record, including an International Emmy Award-Winning children's series, and her leadership roles at ABC and Screen Australia, make her a valuable contributor to the Create NSW First Nations Artform Board, where she advocates for inclusive, First Nations storytelling and talent development.
- Peta-Joy Williams – Wiradjuri woman, Peta Joy Williams blends her cultural roots from both inland freshwater and coastal saltwater regions to create inspiring works in painting, weaving, and community-driven arts. With over 20 years in the industry, her roles have ranged from managing Blak Markets to contributing to Koori Radio’s cultural events, while also being an artist-in-residence at Sydney Fringe and a member of Boomalli Aboriginal Arts Co-op.
- Tania Hartigan – A proud Gamilaraay (Gomeroi) Yinaar from the Liverpool Plains, Tania is a versatile artist, educator, and business innovator dedicated to creating high-quality artwork and promoting sustainability through agritourism on their property, Wilgabah. With a strong background in teaching, board memberships with Arts North West and the Aboriginal Strategic Advisory Committee, and a commitment to cultural and environmental sustainability, Tania continues to champion creativity, innovation, and community development.
Classical Music, Opera, Choral & Art and Ensemble Music
Classical Music:
- This term most broadly refers to notated classical music in the western music tradition but may also extend to other non-western traditions.
- Classical music is characterised by its emphasis on formal structure, balance, and sophisticated instrumental and vocal writing and performance.
- It encompasses a wide range of genres including symphonies, concertos, sonatas, chamber music and solo works - both conducted and unconducted.
Opera:
- From the western classical music tradition, opera is a form of theatre in which music and particularly voice plays a fundamental role in storytelling.
- It combines vocal and instrumental music with staging and dramatic elements such as direction, acting, sets, and costumes.
Choral:
- The term Choral relates to music designed for or performed by a choir, chorus or group of singers.
- Choral music encompasses a wide range of styles and genres.
Art and Ensemble Music:
- Art music encompasses contemporary classical music, contemporary jazz, improvised music, experimental music, and sound art.
- Art music comprises music often with a more experimental bent, performed by a group of musicians often in an ensemble setting.
- Ensemble music refers to music performed by a small to medium group of musicians. This can range from small groups, such as a percussion or string quartet (four musicians), to larger groups, such as a chamber orchestra.
- Ensemble music can be found within many genres, including classical and jazz music.
Members:
Anne Frankenberg – Chair

The lodestar for Anne Frankenberg’s career is her passion for the cultural and community sector, in particular for music performance and music education.
She commenced her arts management career with the Victoria State Opera and Opera Australia, and was founding General Manager of Victorian Opera.
Anne has undertaken executive roles at International Women’s Development Agency, 3MBS Radio, and the Australian National Academy of Music.
She has served on the Boards of the Australian Youth Orchestra, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, and the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia.
After four years as Deputy CEO, Anne commenced as CEO of Musica Viva Australia in December 2022.
- Claire Edwardes – Claire is a trailblazing percussionist and the Artistic Director & CEO of Ensemble Offspring, Australia’s leading new music ensemble. A four-time recipient of the APRA Art Music Luminary Award and an advocate for gender equity and First Nations empowerment in the arts, Claire has made an indelible impact on Australian music, receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2022 and the Australian Women in Music Award for Creative Leadership in 2023.
- Cressida Griffith – Co-Executive Director of Pinchgut Opera, Australia's leading Baroque opera company, Cressida has had an extensive career spanning roles at the London Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Victorian Opera and Orchestra Victoria, as well as holding a Bachelor of Music from the University of Melbourne. Cressida brings deep expertise in arts management and philanthropy.
- Dominic Lui – A Sydney-based performer and producer with expertise in classical music and theatre, Dominic currently serves as Associate Producer at Omega Ensemble and Digital Content Coordinator at Contemporary Asian Australian Performance. A talented singing actor and musician, his recent theatre credits include 'A Little Night Music' and 'HMS Pinafore.’
- Ian Whitney – Ian is a composer and experienced arts manager, most recently serving as General Manager & Producer for Music in the Regions, leading 14 regional classical music tours across New South Wales. With a Doctorate of Musical Arts, Ian has worked with major Australian ensembles such as the Victorian Opera and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and has held key roles at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and the Australia Council for the Arts.
- Jacqui Smith – A highly accomplished arts manager with over two decades of experience in music, museums and higher education, Jacqui has been a Director and Chair of The Song Company for the past four years. Jacqui has led key roles including CEO of the Australian Haydn Ensemble, overseeing their inaugural US tour in 2023, CEO of the Hume Conservatorium, and senior leadership positions in international partnerships and external engagement at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the University of Sydney.
- Kate Gaul – Kate Gaul is a theatre and opera director, creative producer, festival director, designer, and writer. She is a graduate of NIDA (Directing 1996). Kate undertook a residency with SITI Company (NYC) and was Associate Director at Ensemble Theatre. Kate has established herself as a distinctive and inventive director, with credits including plays, opera, physical theatre, devised works and classics for theatre companies and schools in Australia. She is Artistic Director of Siren Theatre Co where her passion is for text-based drama challenges artists and audiences to have bold imaginative experiences. In 2025 Kate has toured The End of Winter, by Noëlle Janaczewska to Singapore, directed Girl Asleep by Mathew Whittet, Heaven by Eugene O’Brien and directed the Australian premiere of Cowbois at Seymour Centre. For House of Oz, Kate is Senior Producer and in 2025 toured works to Brazil, Edinburgh and NYC.
- Mia Patoulios – CEO of Sydney Youth Orchestras (SYO), brings extensive experience in arts management and arts education gained across roles in institutions including Sydney Opera House and Penrith Performing and Visual Arts. Under her leadership over the past decade, SYO has grown significantly, expanding its programs, increasing participation, completing three international tours, and forging impactful partnerships with communities and artists across regional NSW. Mia is a Board Director of the Australian Network of Youth Orchestras and a passionate advocate for youth arts.
- Nena Beretin – Nena is the Artistic Director of the Phoenix Cultural Centre, a philanthropic initiative supporting talent across the performing arts. With a PhD in musicology and a background as Head of Classical Guitar at The King’s School, Nena is an active researcher, presenter, and programmer of classical music at 2MBS Fine Music Sydney.
- Sarah-Grace Williams – One of Australia’s most dynamic conductors, Sarah-Grace is serving as Founding Artistic Director & Chief Conductor of The Metropolitan Orchestra and Principal Conductor of Synthony. With a career spanning major symphonic ensembles, international tours, and diverse cross-genre collaborations, she is celebrated for her bold artistic vision and leadership, earning numerous accolades including the Western Sydney University Alumni Leadership Award and recognition as one of the world’s top 10 women conductors by Limelight Magazine.
- Simon Moore OAM – As the current Chair of the Board at 2MBS Fine Music Sydney, Simon has been a presenter and producer for over 20 years. He hosts the Breakfast program and the weekly "In Conversation" interview series, showcasing top classical music talent from Australia and around the world.
Community Arts & Cultural Development
Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) activities/services are engagement with, and participation in, arts and culture at the local and community level, with community decision-making and input at the heart of the project/program. CACD activities/services focus on collaboration between arts and non-arts practitioners to deliver strong community and arts outcomes particularly for sectors of the community that may be disadvantaged.
Members:
Sara Mansour - Chair

Sara Mansour is a practising lawyer, poet and co-founder and director of the Bankstown Poetry Slam. Under Sara’s leadership, Bankstown Poetry Slam has grown into Australia’s largest regular live poetry event, hosting crowds of up to 2000 people.
Bankstown Poetry Slam won the Special Award at the 2023 Premier’s Literary Awards – the first arts organisation to receive this honour – and the 2016 Western Sydney’s Leadership Dialogue Pemulwuy Prize.
Sara has curated and hosted over 200 poetry events. She has also coordinated high school programs for young people, established Australia’s first ever National Youth Poetry Slam and directed multiple festivals. Most recently, she has been appointed as a trustee at the Sydney Opera House and was a 2024 Finalist for the NSW Young Australian of the Year.
- Andrea Lim – Singaporean-born creative producer, interdisciplinary artist, and violinist, Andrea is passionate about arts-based initiatives for social justice. Holding an MFA in Arts Leadership from Seattle University and a BMus from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, she was the 20/21 Creative Director of CuriousWorks and is now focused on reshaping her independent music and art practice in Sydney.
- Cathy Farry – As the Executive Director of West Darling Arts, Cathy is a passionate advocate for arts and culture in regional NSW, with a diverse career that includes leadership roles in the Broken Hill City Art Gallery and Far West Community Legal Service. A cross-disciplinary artist, she serves on multiple boards, including Regional Development Far West, and is the founding president of the Under the Silver Tree Cooperative Bookshop.
- Ethan Towns – A PhD student in Zoology based in Wee Waa, NSW, Ethan blends academic expertise with a passion for art and nature, creating works that reflect the surrounding environment. As President of the Wee Waa Rotaract and Community Arts Centre, and Vice Chair of the Arts North West Aboriginal Steering Committee, they actively promote community engagement through events, installations, and educational initiatives.
- Finn O'Branagáin – Finn is an award-winning artistic director, playwright, and community arts leader with over 15 years of experience driving social change through creative practice. As the Artistic Director + CEO of Outloud, she leads a transformative youth arts organization in Western Sydney, and her extensive career includes key roles in major arts festivals and award-winning theatre productions.
- Gabriel Faatau'uu-Satiu – Award-winning theatremaker, screenwriter, and creative producer, best known for amplifying Pacific voices through his company Satiu Studios. Gabriel carries a rich portfolio spanning across notable arts organisations and projects, including co-founding the Write It! Write Now! program and the Tagata Moana Writers Hub.
- Jodie Wainwright – An experienced arts management professional and the CEO of Milk Crate Theatre, an organisation that creates socially impactful arts programs for communities with diverse and complex lived experiences. Jodie has held leadership roles at The Cancer Council and Sydney Opera House and was also a Fellow of the 2023 Social Impact Hub Fellowship and recipient of the Business NSW regional prize for Outstanding Business Leadership.
- Kaz Therese – Kaz Therese is an interdisciplinary artist and performance maker, renowned for their work at the intersection of theatre, visual arts, and dance. In 2023, Kaz founded WEREWOLF, secured Creative Australia funding for new work The Tribunals, and collaborated internationally with In Between Time (Bristol) and Kolkata Centre for Creativity.
- Leo Tanoi – Sydney-based Pasifika curator, arts programmer, DJ, and community leader, Leo has extensive experience producing programs, events, and exhibitions for major organisations like Sydney Festival and the National Rugby League. With a strong focus on Pasifika culture, he has contributed to significant projects like Pacific Wave festival, Pacifica Gods, and Body Pacifica, while also working as a radio broadcaster and advisor for key cultural initiatives.
- Liz Martin – With over 25 years of experience in the arts and disability sectors, Liz is a leading expert in disability access and inclusion, an award-winning musician, and a passionate advocate for authentically representative, diverse, and accessible arts and cultural sectors. In addition to her role as CEO of Accessible Arts, Liz serves on the Create NSW Community and Cultural Development Board, the Sydney Festival Access Committee, and the Brand X Board. She has previously served as Deputy Chair of Arts Access Australia and as a member of Create NSW’s Contemporary Music Board. In addition to her advocacy, Liz is an accomplished musician, having released six albums, collaborated with a wide range of artists, and performed at prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Recital Hall, and major festivals around the country.
- Mouna Zaylah – Mouna is the Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre, with over 30 years of experience in Western Sydney’s creative sector, leading cultural initiatives and multidisciplinary programs. Previously co-director of the Arab Film Festival and a member of various industry advisory boards, Mouna has significantly contributed to the development of the region’s arts and cultural landscape.
- Natalie Rose – A prominent figure in Australia’s contemporary arts scene, Natalie serves as Creative Director/CEO of Shopfront Arts Co-op and as a member of the performance collective POST. With 24 years of experience, her work has been showcased at major venues like the Sydney Opera House and Belvoir, and she is the recipient of Creative Australia’s 2022 Arts Leader award, most recently winning the 2023 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Young People.
- Yamane Fayed – Yamane Fayed is a trilingual creative producer specialising in community and cultural development. Yamane holds a Masters in French Literature and taught French Literature in Lebanon. Since moving to Australia in 2005, she has worked in various roles as an educator and digital storytelling facilitator across Western Sydney and as a Taste Cultural Food Tour guide running cultural food tours throughout Sydney, connecting food and people to promote cross-cultural understanding. Since 2016, Yamane has worked at Arts & Cultural Exchange as the producer of the Multicultural Women’s Hub program, up-skilling and supporting women to set up their own creative enterprises. She is passionate about engaging with diverse communities in Western Sydney, utilising arts and creativity as tools for social change. Recently, she co-produced a CACD Training for emerging CACD practitioners in Western Sydney in partnership with TAFE NSW.
- Zoe Ong – In 2023, Zoe created and performed TED Silent Movement, a solo production that fused Auslan Sign Language with contemporary dance to share their personal journey as a young adult with a disability. Passionate about inclusivity, they are dedicated to raising awareness through community youth arts programs and fostering diverse, equitable spaces for creative expression.
Dance & Physical Theatre
Dance includes all forms of dance from ballet to contemporary dance.
Physical Theatre includes all forms of physical theatre from circus, acrobatics to storytelling through physical movement.
Members:
Adrian Burnett - Chair

Adrian Burnett is a distinguished Australian arts leader, choreographer, and curator with an extensive dance and multi-arts programming background. A graduate of The Australian Ballet School, he built a notable career with The Australian Ballet, serving in multiple roles, including Senior Artist, Resident Choreographer, Guest Teacher, and Executive Producer.
As an arts administrator, Burnett has held several significant positions, including Director of Dance and Multi-Art Form at Creative Australia (formerly the Australia Council for the Arts), where he helped shape grant programs and cultural policy. He also served as Senior Curator and Producer of New Annual, Newcastle's flagship arts and cultural festival.
His leadership extends to governance roles in key cultural institutions, serving as Deputy Chair of the Australian Ballet School and Chair of Critical Path, Australia's premier centre for choreographic development. In 2024, Burnett was appointed as Head of Programming at Carriageworks, one of Australia's leading contemporary arts centres, where he oversees national and international programming across various art forms.
Throughout his career, Burnett has demonstrated a commitment to advancing Australian arts and culture through artistic practice and administrative leadership, bridging the worlds of performance, curation, and arts development.
- Alice Cadwell – Alice Cadwell is a senior regional arts leader in circus and physical theatre with over 25 years’ experience across festivals, performance, touring, producing, and sector development. As Creative Producer of Spaghetti Circus and Festival Director of the National Circus Festival, she has led significant organisational growth and expanded audiences nationally. Her earlier career includes a decade with Circus Oz, working on large-scale touring and Big Top productions in Australia and internationally. Her experience includes major organisations and events, such as advisory roles with Sydney Festival, CIRCA and TNA. As well as the Famous Spiegeltent, NICA, Woodford Folk Festival, HOTA and many more. Alice brings extensive governance and assessment experience, including peer assessment roles and co-leading Dance and Physical Theatre assessment meetings. She is a member of the esteemed Creative Australia leadership cohort 2024-2025.
- Anais Stewart Long – Raised in the circus hub of Mullumbimby, Anais trained in contortion, acrobatics, and aerials before pursuing studies in visual art and circus at VCA and the National Institute of Circus Arts. A passionate creator and advocate for young, female, and LGBTQIA artists, she is committed to producing diverse, innovative work that challenges, inspires, and pushes artistic boundaries.
- Anthea Doropoulos – As Director of DirtyFeet, Anthea has strengthened the Sydney-based dance company’s role in Australia’s independent dance sector, fostering emerging artists and championing inclusive programs. With over 16 years of experience as a creative producer, she has delivered sell-out seasons for Sydney Festival and developed innovative platforms like Movement, Movement in her role at Campbelltown Arts Centre.
- Cadi McCarthy – Founding Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub in 2014, Cadi has significantly shaped the contemporary dance landscape in Newcastle, offering a support structure for choreographers, dancers, and multidisciplinary artists to develop their practice. With over two decades of experience, including her tenure as Artistic Director of Buzz Dance Theatre in Perth, Cadi's work has earned numerous accolades, including the WA Dance Award and Churchill Fellowship.
- Craig Bary – As the Creative Producer at The Art House, Wyong, Craig collaborates with artists across all genres of the performing arts, fostering local talent from emerging to established professionals. With over 20 years in the dance community, Craig has leadership experience with Catapult Dance and The New Zealand Dance Company, and his choreography has been featured in works for companies such as Sydney Dance Company and the Australian Dance Theatre.
- David Clarkson – David has over 30 years of global touring experience, co-founding the internationally successful companies Stalker and Box of Birds. Known for his poetic, conceptual, and highly physical works, Clarkson earned prestigious accolades like the Create NSW Art and Technology Fellowship and an Unreal Engine "Mega Grant" in 2022 for his ground-breaking work merging theatre and gaming technologies.
- Dylan Goh – Having been a finalist at Destructive Steps 16 and a member of the Independent Choreographers Program, Dylan Goh (also known as Arcai) is an award-winning artist and producer renowned for his work bridging experimental and street dance in Sydney and Seoul. As the founder of Palette Session Australia, Dylan's passion for diasporic storytelling and community-driven programming continues to transform the dance landscape.
- Eliza Cooper – Eliza’s dynamic career spans across independent choreography, costume design, and collaborations with Dance Makers Collective and Sydney Dance Company, with notable works such as Bat Lake and Snake Battle presented at Riverside Theatres. A passionate performer and creator, she has also choreographed for DMC's Future Makers, designed costumes for Sydney Festival’s Wolverine, and performed in Pepa Molina’s Las Flamenkas.
- Ella Watson-Heath – Ella’s multifaceted practice spans performance, choreography, advocacy and mentorship. Ella serves as a Co-Artistic Director of Dance Makers Collective (DMC), after joining their Future Makers youth company in 2019. She is a dedicated advocate for the arts, holding elected positions on the MEAA National Performers Committee and Federal Council. A WAAPA graduate and former member of STEPS Youth Dance Company, Ella is now a Sessional Trainer in Contemporary Release and Choreographic Process at NAISDA Dance College.
- Ellen Bartlett– Ellen is an emerging and dynamic arts professional based in regional NSW. With a deep commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement, she works across a range of projects that support and elevate regional arts initiatives.
- Joel Fenton – Originally from Launceston, Tasmania, Joel is a distinguished contemporary dance theatre performer, choreographer, and educator based in Sydney, with extensive international touring experience and a focus on crafting innovative dance theatre. With a Master of Dance from the Victorian College of the Arts and a longstanding mentorship with Shaun Parker, Joel has contributed to numerous projects, including performances for Shaun Parker & Company and Tasdance.
- Kerry Johnson – Kerry is a Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta descendant, and the founder and Artistic Director of Burrundi Theatre for Performing Arts, an Aboriginal-controlled not-for-profit organization. With a career rooted in dance, choreography, and cultural curation, she has shaped major festivals like Yabun and the Warangesda Festival, while actively working to preserve and revitalize Wiradjuri culture through community-driven projects.
- Kiri Morcombe – Kiri is a dynamic Creative Producer based on Ngunnawal, Ngarigo, and Ngambri land, with a strong focus on live performance, community engagement, and cultural expression through textiles. With extensive experience in project management, curation, and strategic planning, she has held leadership roles across organizations like Australian Dance Party, Southern Tablelands Arts, and WEAVE Parramatta.
- Megan Roberts – Megan is an accomplished Australian arts manager and performing arts producer with two decades of experience spanning dance, theatre, puppetry, music, and experimental performance. With expertise in change management, governance, budgeting, and international touring, she has played a key role in driving growth and development within the sector while fostering artistic and workforce innovation.
- Naomi Hibberd – With a career spanning Europe and Australia, Naomi has danced with prestigious companies like Rambert Dance Company and Balbir Singh Dance Company, before transitioning into producing. Formerly Creative Producer at FORM Dance Projects, Naomi is now Producer, Performance at Carriageworks, and continues to nurture the next generation of dancers and artists through her teaching and industry expertise.
- Paul Selwyn Norton – Boasting over 25 years of experience, Paul has led groundbreaking global collaborations, bringing renowned artists like Crystal Pite, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, and William Forsythe to audiences worldwide. Paul now serves as Creative Director of FORM and consultant Enterprise Director for Gibney Dance, continuing to drive innovative, high-calibre arts programming.
Digital & Experimental, Immersive and Light Art
Digital & Experimental
- Combining or involving two or more artforms using experimental approaches, artistic risk-taking, and including the development of cutting-edge contemporary practice. Encompasses new artform development, Sound Art and Experimental Music. Digital artforms includes application of new forms of technology and existing forms such as podcasts.
Immersive
- Artforms that envelop the participant in a total experience, engaging multiple senses and often blurring the lines between the artwork and the real world and could include virtual reality and Infinity rooms.
Light Art
- A visual art form in which light is the main if not sole medium of creation. It includes projection mapping using projectors to create images and videos on surfaces, often buildings or landscapes.
Members:

Ross Harley - Chair
Emeritus Professor Ross Rudesch Harley is an award-winning artist, writer and educator whose career crosses the bounds of traditional and creative arts research. His video and sound work has been presented at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, New York MoMA, Ars Electronica in Austria, the Biennale of Sydney, and at the Sydney Opera House. After serving as Head of the School Media Arts (2009-2013), he went on to become Dean of UNSW Art & Design (2013-2020). In 2024 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to tertiary education and the arts.
- Ankit Mishra – Since relocating to Australia in 2016, Ankit has become a key figure in the arts sector, collaborating with institutions such as the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Opera House, and the Biennale of Sydney. With a portfolio that includes award-winning documentaries and performances with artists like Asad Raza and Tino Sehgal, Ankit excels in audio/visual production, social media strategies, and project management, contributing to the growth and visibility of contemporary art in Australia.
- Blair French – Blair is a distinguished arts leader and curator, currently serving as CEO of the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) after a dynamic tenure as CEO of Carriageworks. With a career spanning influential roles at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Artspace, Performance Space, Blair is also an accomplished writer, authoring two books on Australian photography and contributing to over 20 publications on contemporary art and culture.
- Cat Jones – An award-winning artist, performer, and researcher; Cat’s interdisciplinary practice spans performance, installation, and immersive experiences, often collaborating with experts in fields like neuroscience, gastronomy, and entomology. Cat has held key leadership roles, including Artistic Director of PACT Centre and Co-Director of Electrofringe, while receiving prestigious fellowships such as the Creative Australia Fellowship and the Create NSW Performing Arts Fellowship.
- Julia Scott-Stevenson – Julia is a researcher and maker of immersive media, based at UTS, whose work explores how XR/VR/AR technologies can address global challenges like the climate crisis. Julia’s immersive and interactive works have shown at Climate Action Week Sydney, Vivid Sydney and Copenhagen Doc Festival, and she is lead researcher on MIT's partnership with IDFA DocLab and chair of the International Advisory Board for Immersive Arts UK.
- Kate Britton – As the Artistic Director of Performance Space, Kate has spent over a decade shaping the landscape of queer, experimental, and interdisciplinary performance. Her extensive experience includes roles with major institutions such as the Sydney Opera House, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Kaldor Public Art Projects, alongside a PhD exploring aesthetics and cross-cultural participatory practices.
- Lucy Keeler – Lucy is the Head of Strategy & Experiences at Luna Park Sydney and Director of Public Art Australia, with a career centred on creative applications of experimental technologies. As a tech-based artist and co-founder of Ample Projects, she has led immersive, projection-mapped installations and animatronic sculptures across Australia, Asia, and Europe, while her work has earned over 25 awards spanning visual arts, theatre, screen, and events.
- Michaela Gleave – Michaela is an Australian artist whose multi-disciplinary practice spans digital works, installation, performance, photography, sculpture, and video. Her work has been presented globally, from major institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art to international festivals and residencies, including the International Studio and Curatorial Program in New York and CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science in Australia.
- Mykaela Baillie – As Placemaking Officer at the Lismore Regional Gallery, Mykaela plays a key role in developing major creative programs with a focus on community engagement and inclusion. A 26-year-old LGBTQIA+ neurodiverse artist based in regional NSW, Mykaela’s work amplifies diverse voices and fosters empowerment through intersectional arts, while also contributing to the Northern Rivers Conservatorium Board and various arts panels.
- Nicole Pingon - Nicole Pingon is a multidisciplinary artist, theatre-maker, and teaching artist working across theatre, installations, and digital platforms. Nicole is dedicated to championing new work development and cross-cultural storytelling. Nicole has worked with Sydney Theatre Company, Belvoir, Blush Opera, Shopfront Arts Co-op and SBS Audio. Nicole currently chairs Shopfront Arts Co-op's CALD Advisory Board.
- Thea-Mai Baumann – In her role as Artistic Director and CEO of 4A, Thea-Mai brings a wealth of experience, including her pioneering work as the founder and CEO of world-first hologram brands Metaverse Makeovers® and 超宇美人®. Thea-Mai has previously led international engagement at the Australia Council for the Arts, co-designing the 2021-25 International Engagement Strategy and overseeing investments across Europe, North America, and the Asia Pacific.
Festivals
Festivals are an event that celebrates a program of a specific artform or various artforms through live performances, workshops, and exhibitions, often across multiple locations.
Members:
Fergus Linehan – Chair
As CEO of Carriageworks, Fergus leads one of Sydney’s most influential cultural precincts, following a distinguished career as Artistic Director for major festivals including the Dublin Theatre Festival, Sydney Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. Recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including an Honorary Doctorate of Literature and The Edinburgh Award, he is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and a passionate advocate for the arts on the global stage.
- Adam Deusien – As Artistic Director and Executive Producer of Lingua Franca, Adam has elevated regional performance in NSW through innovative, interdisciplinary theatre, including his leadership of the 2018 Artstate Festival. With leadership roles such as Head of Programming for fyi Canberra and Creative Director of the Enlighten Festival, he continues to foster inter-regional collaborations while contributing to the future of the arts in Bathurst, Newcastle, and Canberra.
- Andrew Gray – With decades of experience in the creative and cultural industries, Andrew has led South East Arts as Executive Director and now co-directs Crimson Rosella Creative Adventures, based on the South Coast of NSW. Andrew brings a wealth of expertise in festival production, creative direction, and public programs, with notable roles at institutions like the National Film and Sound Archive and Museum of Australian Democracy.
- Bill Harris – Bill has contributed to high-profile projects with leading organisations such as the Adelaide Festival of Arts, Sydney Festival, and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), specialising in production, programming, and site activation. With extensive experience in placemaking and event management, he has collaborated with institutions like Global Creatures and the Australian National Maritime Museum.
- Hana Truban – Hana is a Sydney/Eora-based queer creative with a multifaceted career as a dancer, choreographer, producer, stage manager, and lighting designer, bringing deep expertise in live performance and technical theatre. Her diverse collaborations with major organisations like Amazon Prime AU, Sydney World Pride, and Vivid Sydney highlight her versatility and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries across commercial, film, and live performance projects.
- Jane Fuller – Jane Fuller is a cultural consultant with extensive experience working across the regional sector and with state and local governments in the NSW Northern Rivers. Most recently Executive Director of Arts Northern Rivers, Jane brings a strong background in cultural leadership, strategy, and sector development. Her career includes leadership roles with BlakDance, the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM), and major international cultural platforms including the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.
- Maybelline San Juan – Maybelline is an emerging arts professional who brings her passion for accessibility, diversity, and sustainability to her role as Associate Producer at Sydney Festival. With a background in performing arts, including her cabaret work at Adelaide Cabaret Festival and as a 2024-2025 artist in residence at ShopFront’s ArtsLab, Maybelline is also an advocate for young talent through her roles on advisory boards and in comedy and performance spaces across Sydney.
- Morwenna Collett – A leading advocate for accessibility in the arts, Morwenna has driven change through leadership roles at Accessible Arts and the Australia Council, with a focus on increasing inclusion within the music industry. As a musician and arts consultant with a disability, she continues to champion diversity, access, and the transformative power of the arts for all.
- Niriko McLure – With over a decade of experience leading teams across Sydney, LA, and London in the contemporary music industry, Niriko founded Third Person Management in 2019, representing artists like Jarryd James, egoism, and Maddy Jane. As a visionary in artist management and creative production, she is also co-curating the Bigsound Conference in 2025, solidifying her impact on the global music scene.
- Rachel Chant – As Festival Director of Bondi Festival from 2017 to 2023, Rachel shaped one of Sydney’s most celebrated cultural events, while also leaving her mark as a director and dramaturg with leading companies like Melbourne Theatre Company and Griffin Theatre. With a broad range of experience from script assessment to teaching, she continues to contribute to Australia's theatrical landscape across multiple disciplines.
- Rosa Coyle-Hayward – Having shaped major cultural festivals as Music Program Manager at Dark Mofo and now as Music Producer at Sydney Festival, Rosa brings 15 years of experience across various music, multi-arts, and cultural events. A passionate advocate for the music industry, Rosa co-authors industry awards, assesses grants, and coordinates projects like the Music Victoria Awards.
- Rosie Dennis – Rosie is the current Director of the Bank Art Museum Moree and the previous Artistic Director and CEO of Placemakers Gold Coast where she curated large-scale cultural experiences at the BLEACH and BIG CITY LIGHTS festivals. Previously leading Urban Theatre Projects, she created the award-winning BANKSTOWN:LIVE while also serving as Creative Director for Hobart Current: Liberty From Here to Here.
- Sam Watson-Wood – Spearheading impactful, large-scale events and commissions across Sydney, Sam founded Friends with Strangers to inspire wonder and foster connection in the arts. With a diverse career that includes roles like Executive Producer at Performance Space and Festival Director of Art Month, she brings unmatched expertise in curation, audience development, and partnership strategy to cultural programming worldwide.
Literature & Writing
Works of fiction, literary non-fiction, children’s and young adult literature, poetry, writing for performance, graphic novels, and literary digital and new media work.
Members:
Nicholas Pickard - Chair

Nicholas Pickard is an award-winning public affairs, reputation, and policy expert with experience across the UK, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. His leadership and advocacy has been instrumental in advancing significant policy reforms and driving strategic campaigns that support the creative and cultural industries.
As Executive Director of Public Affairs & Government Relations at APRA AMCOS, the largest music rights organisation in Australasia with 124,000 members, Nicholas has been pivotal in securing key outcomes for the music industry. He serves on the board of Screen Australia, the Australian Government’s Jobs and Skills Council Strategic Workforce Advisory Group, the NSW Government’s Creative Communities Council and is Chair of the NSW Literature and Writing Artform Board. He is a former Chair of the Australian Society of Authors.
Nicholas studied at Macquarie University where he received two international scholarships to study post-war theatre in Manchester and Oxford, UK and theatre directing at the Akademija za gledališče, radio, film in televizijo (AGRFT) in Ljubljana, Slovenia. He further developed his expertise in performance, working on acclaimed productions and collaborating with the Slovenian dance company Teater Pozitiv at Sarajevo’s TeaterFest. His experiences in Central Europe fostered a lifelong fascination with the region’s performing arts and culture.
- Barrina South – A Barkindji artist, poet, and critic, Barrina’s work has been featured in prominent publications such as Rabbit, Cordite Poetry Review, and the Kuracca anthology. Her short story Family Tree was adapted for the stage by the Mill Theatre, Canberra in 2023 and in 2024, she took part in the Varuna Writer’s House First Nations Fellowship. Barrina also presented recently at the International Symposium on Poetic Inquiry in New Zealand.
- Can Yalcinkaya – As one of the co-organisers of Sydney's largest zine fair, the Other Worlds Zine Fair, Can has been at the forefront of Australia’s graphic storytelling and zine culture for over a decade. A multidisciplinary artist and academic with research degrees in Media and Cultural Studies, his work spans creative writing, curating, and community-driven arts, and he currently serves as the Head of the Selection Committee for the Comic Art Workshop.
- Catherine Keenan AM – Dr Catherine Keenan AM is Executive Director and Co-Founder of Story Factory, a not-for-profit creative writing organisation for young people in under-resourced communities. She was formerly a journalist with The Sydney Morning Herald, where she worked as an arts writer and literary editor. She has been recognised for her contributions to community, connection, and literacy, including being named Australian of the Year Local Hero in 2016.
- Ed Wright – As the author of 10 books and publishing director of Puncher and Wattmann, Ed Wright has edited and published works shortlisted for prestigious awards such as the Miles Franklin and Prime Minister's Literary Awards. With over two decades of experience as a reviewer, a Ph.D. in literature, and a passion for mentoring through his Creative Word Shop, he continues to shape the literary landscape in the Hunter Region and beyond.
- Friederike Krishnabhakdi-Vasilakis – With over thirty years of experience across visual arts, writing, curation, and academia, Friederike is a multi-disciplinary artist and educator who has contributed to numerous projects exploring eco-narratives and the Anthropocene. Holding a PhD in Creative Arts, she has worked as a CEO, lecturer, and editor, and is dedicated to supporting artistic initiatives through her expertise in project development, grant writing, and creative collaboration.
- Huyen Hac Tran – Based on Gadigal Land, Huyen Hac Tran is a writer whose work has appeared in Liminal Magazine, Meanjin, The Suburban Review, and The Big Issue. She is pursuing a Masters in Literature and Creative Writing at Western Sydney University and also holds the position of Digital Marketing Manager at the Sydney Review of Books.
- Meredith Jaffe – Meredith’s bestselling novel The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison was voted in the Better Reading Top 100 and the Booktopia Favourite Australian Book Award Top 50 in 2023 and 2022. A former Festival Director of StoryFest and Program Director for the Batemans Bay Writers Festival, Meredith is also a passionate advocate for literacy, volunteering with The Footpath Library and facilitating literary conversations across major writers’ festivals and publications.
- Michelle Huynh – Winning first place in the 2024 ZineWest competition for her short story When in Kowloon, Michelle is quickly emerging as a standout writer. With published works like Something Hainanese and Thresholds, she has further developed her voice through Writing NSW’s Mentorship program for Diverse Writers and the WestWords Academy.
- Rosemarie Milsom – As the founding director of the Newcastle Writers Festival, Rosemarie has helped establish one of Australia's most significant regional literary events. A former print journalist and ABC broadcaster, she now chairs Hunter Creative Alliance while also contributing to the steering committee of the Global Association of Literary Festivals.
- Sophie Groom – With over 20 years of experience in the literary sector, Sophie has championed the connection between writers and readers across Australia and the United States through roles with Apple Books, Dymocks, and Leading Edge Books. As CEO of Writing NSW, she leads the state's premier organisation, supporting thousands of writers annually through courses, events, fellowships, and advocacy, fostering growth and empowerment within the literary community.
- Sunil Badami –Sunil brings over 20 years of experience in the arts and media sectors, working with prestigious organisations such as the ABC, Kaldor Public Art Projects, and Diversity Arts Australia, while his work has been featured in major Australian literary journals and on ABC Radio and TV. A passionate advocate for diversity, Sunil serves on the boards of the Canberra Writers Festival and Sydney Festival and holds a Doctor of Creative Arts from UTS.
- Vivian Pham – Vivian is a Vietnamese novelist, essayist, and poet whose debut novel, The Coconut Children, was published by Penguin Random House in 2020, earning her the 2021 Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Australian Novelist Award. A passionate advocate for social engagement and creative expression, she has mentored emerging writers, taught creative writing, and is currently adapting her novel for both stage and screen while serving as the 2024 Writer-in-Residence at the University of Technology, Sydney.
Museums & History
A museum is a non-profit, permanent institution in the service of society and its development which acquires, conserves, research, and exhibits the tangible and intangible heritage of humanity and its environment for the purposes of education, study, and enjoyment.
History is the analysis and interpretation of the human past enabling us to study continuity and changes that are taking place over time.
Members:
Julie Baird- Chair

Supplied
- Julie is a highly experienced museum and cultural sector leader, currently serving as Director of Museum Archive Libraries & Learning at the City of Newcastle, NSW. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, she has held key leadership roles at Newcastle Museum, the National Motor Museum of Australia, and the History Trust of South Australia. Julie has extensive expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, exhibitions, and collections management. She serves as President of the National Council for the Australian Museums and Galleries Association and sits on multiple advisory boards. A frequent speaker at national and international conferences, Julie is recognised for her contributions to museum innovation and heritage preservation.
- Alison Wishart – Alison has spent over 20 years working in social history, curation, and local history, contributing to cultural institutions across Queensland, NSW, Victoria, and the ACT. Renowned for her award-winning research on the Green Ban at Eastlakes, she is a dedicated advocate for public history and oral storytelling, while actively supporting the history community through leadership roles and efforts to make historical collections more accessible.
- Brett Adlington – Brett is a passionate advocate for the needs of the small to medium museum and gallery sectors and has over 25 years experience in public galleries, holding pivotal curatorial roles at institutions such as Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery, Gold Coast City Art Gallery, and as Director of Lismore Regional Gallery from 2010 to 2021. Now serving as CEO of Museums & Galleries of NSW, he continues to drive the development of cultural institutions and supports the dynamic arts sector across the state, while serving on the Community Impact Committee for the Northern Rivers Community Foundation and as Co-Chair of National Exhibition Touring Support Australia.
- Bridget Guthrie – Bridget brings over 25 years of experience in the gallery, museum, and cultural development sectors across Northwest and Southern NSW, currently leading Tamworth Regional Gallery & Museums as Director. Known for curating over 30 exhibitions and driving community engagement through public art and outreach programs, she excels in strategic planning, project management, and collection management.
- Christine Yeats – With 35 years of experience in Australian history, Christine has made significant contributions through her leadership roles, including her tenure at Museums of History NSW. A Fellow of the Royal Australian Historical Society, she also chairs the UNESCO Australian Memory of the World Program’s Assessment Sub-Committee and has authored influential works on Australia's colonial history
- Joanna Besley – Joanna played a key role in the development of the Cairns Museum and Yarrila Place in Coffs Harbour, two of Australia's most exciting new regional cultural landmarks. With a rich career spanning curatorial, academic, and leadership roles across museums and galleries in NSW and Queensland, she brings a deep understanding of exhibition planning, collection management, and public programming, while championing the social and community impact of the sector.
- John Petersen – John is a professional historian known for his leadership of multicultural museums and Not for Profits, including as CEO and Company Secretary of Multicultural Museums Victoria Limited and as the inaugural Director of the NSW Migration Heritage Centre, Powerhouse Museum. With three decades of experience across state and national heritage institutions and community-driven projects in NSW's rural and regional areas in partnership with local government museums and galleries, he has led collections research and consulting efforts in diverse areas ranging from significance assessment, queer, migrant and refugee heritage, house museums, digital collections, archives to movable heritage.
- Leann Meiers – Bringing over 37 years of strategic leadership in the arts, conservation, and education sectors, Leann has shaped key organisations like FORM Dance Projects, UNSW, and the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. With a strong background in governance, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement, she currently holds influential board roles, including at Australian Vision Research, and has previously served as Director of Development at MAAS.
- Lynda Kelly – Renowned as a leading audience researcher and digital innovator in the GLAM sector, Lynda has over 35 years of experience managing exhibitions, collections projects, and digital initiatives for over 45 arts, museums, and heritage organisations worldwide. Lynda is also a sought-after keynote speaker and prolific writer, with a widely read blog and a deep understanding of visitor needs across both public and private sectors.
- Melissa Malu – Melissa is Head of Collections and Engagement - Pasifika & World Cultures at the Australian Museum where she earned widespread recognition for curating the Wansolmoana gallery, receiving the AMAGA award for Community Connection. With over a decade of expertise in curation, storytelling, and community engagement, Melissa is a passionate advocate for cultural diversity and Indigenous knowledge.
- Minna Muhlen-Schulte – Minna brings over a decade of experience managing complex, publicly funded projects, with a strong focus on First Nations stakeholder engagement and research in the history and heritage sectors. Currently serving as Project Manager, Creative Histories and Futures at UNSW, she combines her expertise in interpretation, design, and creative history to deliver impactful projects for both government and community organisations.
- Molly Green – As the Director of Tweed Regional Museum, Molly is renowned for creating unique cultural experiences in unexpected places, blending her expertise in museum management, public art, and major events. With a rich background at institutions like Queensland Museum, UQ Art Museum, and Brisbane City Council, she brings a wealth of experience in the museum and gallery sector to drive innovative programs that engage diverse audiences.
- Rebecca George – An emerging professional in the museum sector, Rebecca holds a Masters in Art Curating from the University of Sydney and a dual Bachelor's in Interior and Spatial Design and Creative Intelligence. Rebecca works as a Museum Assistant at the Museum of the Riverina, contributing to operations, programs, and collections, while also handling installation work for the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery and Orange Regional Gallery.
- Tait de Lorenzo – Tait is a stage director specialising in new and multidisciplinary performance. She is a graduate of NIDA’s MFA Directing program, with extensive stage and screen credits both locally and internationally. Her direction and development credits include work with Belvoir, Griffin, Red Stitch, PACT, Brand X and Sydney Chamber Opera. As Associate Director, Tait has worked with some of Australia’s leading directors, including with Kip Williams on Tony and Olivier award-winning production The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Theatre & Musical Theatre
Theatre: all forms of theatre from performance, playwriting, directing, new work, devising and adaption of the canon.
Musical Theatre: a genre of theatre in which singing, dancing, and composing play an essential role.
Members
- Craig McMaster – With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment and arts industries, Craig is the Director of Riverside Theatres Parramatta, where he is overseeing its major redevelopment for 2028. With a background in senior roles across theatre production, venue management, marketing, and digital technologies, Craig also leads AvenuArts and has held executive roles with major organisations such as Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Ticketek, and VenuesLive.
- Erin Taylor – A dramaturg, director, producer, and educator, Erin is focused on the development and direction of new Australian plays. Recent works include Museum of Modern Love (Sydney Festival), Jali (Griffin Theatre), and Kasama Kita (25A Belvoir), and she currently serves as CEO/Executive Producer of Australian Plays Transform.
- Fiona Hulton – With a strong background in arts management, Fiona has worked with leading organizations including Bell Shakespeare, Griffin Theatre Company, and the Sydney Film Festival, and is currently the Deputy Executive Director at Belvoir St Theatre. Passionate about accessibility in the arts, she focuses on audience development, community engagement, and mentoring emerging talent.
- Kevin du Preez – With over 23 years of experience in the arts, government, and creative sectors, Kevin is a dynamic strategist and executive known for transforming touring strategies and expanding programs at Monkey Baa Theatre Company. Previously, he led key industry initiatives at the Australia Council for the Arts and is committed to making the arts accessible, serving on boards like Arts Access Australia and co-chairing the Global Arts Leadership Program Organisers network.
- Lucy Clements – As the Founder and Managing Director of New Ghosts Theatre Company, Lucy has directed numerous world and Australian premieres, with productions across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, and New York. She now leads the iconic Old Fitz Theatre as Artistic Director, champions new work, and has earned critical acclaim, including a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Independent Production and Best Direction.
- Marion Potts – With a career spanning 30 years, Marion has held key leadership roles, including Executive Producer/CEO of Performing Lines and Director of Theatre at the Australia Council for the Arts. A seasoned director and producer, Marion has worked across major companies such as Malthouse Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company, and Bell Shakespeare, with a focus on national and international touring, policy, and strategic initiatives.
- Sarah Parsons – As the Creative Producer/CEO of Outback Theatre for Young People, Sarah leads creative initiatives across a 30,000 square km area in regional and remote NSW, advocating for sustainable arts engagement in rural Australia. With a career dedicated to theatre for young people and community-driven work, she has held leadership roles in Regional Arts NSW, Create NSW, and Theatre Network Australia.
- Tait de Lorenzo – A Sydney-based director specializing in new and multidisciplinary performance, Tait de Lorenzo is a graduate of NIDA’s MFA Directing program with extensive stage and screen credits. Her directing work spans prestigious companies like Belvoir, Griffin Theatre, and Sydney Chamber Opera, and she is currently the associate director for the Olivier award-winning The Picture of Dorian Gray, set for Broadway in 2025.
- Tamara Gazzard – An experienced arts manager, producer, and theatremaker based in Mulubinba/Newcastle, Tamara has spent over 10 years at Tantrum Youth Arts, supporting the development of new performance and multi-artform projects with young people. Tamara also works with the Paper Cut collective, creating highly visual, physical theatre, and advocates for capacity-building in regional NSW.
- Travis Cardona – With over 15 years of experience in the arts and media, Travis is the Director of First Nations & Outreach at NIDA, leading the strategic engagement of First Nations creatives and communities across Australia. A proud First Nations man and NIDA graduate, he previously worked as a producer at NITV, where he championed First Nations representation through impactful media and sports programming.
Visual Arts
Visual Arts includes design and craft. Applications submitted to the Visual Arts Board often include but are not limited to elements of sculpture, performance, painting, installation, ceramics, video, and printmaking.
Members:
- Adam Porter – Adam Porter specialises in contemporary visual art and currently serves as Head of Curatorial at Campbelltown Arts Centre. With a rich career spanning roles at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and significant contributions to public art projects like Youngsters by Caroline Rothwell, Porter has been a prominent figure in cultural governance, having held key positions at Penrith Performing & Visual Arts and Sydney Culture Network.
- Emilya Colliver – Founder and Director of Art Pharmacy and Sugar Glider Digital, Emilya leads two pioneering companies shaping the future of public, corporate, and digital art. Passionate about making art accessible, her work spans collaborations with governments, corporations, and councils, while her authorship of two books and leadership in social impact initiatives further cement her commitment to fostering creative ecosystems and driving lasting change in the arts.
- Kelly Robson – Sydney-based art and culture strategist and curator with over 20 years of experience, Kelly has led large-scale public art commissions and interdisciplinary teams across public, corporate, and private sectors. Currently Senior Manager of Art & Design at Western Sydney International Airport, she previously co-founded Gaffa Creative Precinct and has driven numerous creative projects that champion inclusive storytelling and the integration of art into everyday spaces.
- Kyra Kum-Sing – A Malera Bandjalan and Mitakoodi woman from Northern NSW and Cloncurry QLD, Kyra is a passionate curator and artist with Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative Ltd, where she has curated numerous exhibitions since 2017. With over 20 years of experience across not-for-profit Aboriginal organisations and sectors such as arts, cultural heritage, health, and media, she is a fierce advocate for Aboriginal rights, self-determination, and intellectual copyright, grounded in the cultural protocols passed down through her family’s bloodlines.
- Luke Letourneau – As the Curatorial and Collections Lead at Liverpool Powerhouse (formally Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre) and curator for Yellamundie Art Gallery & Library, Luke is celebrated for commissioning new works and engaging with diverse creative communities in Western Sydney. His recent projects, including solo exhibitions by Eddie Abd, Katy B Plummer, and Leanne Tobin, and the award-winning group show Jamming with Strangers, have garnered acclaim for their powerful narratives.
- Michael Moran – With 20 years of experience in contemporary art, Michael is dedicated to advancing progressive artistic practices and reappraising historical cultural value through curatorial work. Currently Head of Curatorial and Collections at Murray Art Museum Albury, he has previously held leadership roles at Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation, MCA Australia, and Whitecube, London, and served as Director of the artist-run initiative Firstdraft, Sydney.
- Morgan Hogg – An artist and creative producer of Cook Island Māori, Tahitian, and English descent, Morgan’s work explores cultural displacement and identity through installation and performance, weaving together her Kūki Airani heritage with contemporary artistic practices. With a background in Visual Arts and Film studies, Hogg has exhibited at renowned venues such as Carriageworks, PICA, and the Art Gallery of NSW.
- Petrina Hicks – A globally recognised Australian artist, with exhibitions across Australia, Europe, the USA, and beyond, Pertrina’s work is held in prestigious public collections such as the National Gallery of Victoria and the National Gallery of Australia. In 2019, the National Gallery of Victoria hosted a major survey exhibition, Bleached Gothic, showcasing a decade of photographic and video works.
- Rachael Parsons – Highly experienced Australian curator and arts worker, Rachael currently leads the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) as Art Museum Director while serving as President of Regional Public Galleries NSW and a board member of Arts North West. With over 15 years of curatorial expertise across diverse spaces, from public collections to artist-run initiatives, she has shaped key programs like HINTON: Treasures of Australian Art and fostered Brisbane’s creative community through initiatives such as Vegas Spray and BNE Art.
- Remy Faint – Remy is an emerging artist based on Gadigal land, Sydney, whose multidisciplinary practice spans painting, sculpture, ceramics, and installation, with recent exhibitions at Artspace, PICA, and Cement Fondu. A recipient of the 2023 Gosford Art Prize and the 2024 Tim Olsen Drawing Prize, Remy has also been a finalist in prestigious competitions like the Mosman Art Prize and the Create NSW Visual Arts Fellowship.
