Artform Board Members

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: 

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:

• 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.  

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:

• 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.

• 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.

• Brooke Webb – Brooke is the dynamic CEO of the Sydney Writers' Festival, with 27 years of executive leadership experience creating commercial theatrical productions, concerts, and festivals. Her career spans roles with global entertainment companies, including Artistic Director at Cirque Du Soleil, Executive Director at Universal Music in New York, and Festival Director at the Sydney Opera House.

• Fergus Linehan – 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.

• 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 – With a rich background in cultural leadership, Jane currently serves as Executive Director of Arts Northern Rivers, where she spearheads initiatives that empower creatives and foster a thriving local arts scene. Her extensive career includes influential roles at BlakDance, APAM, and prestigious international festivals like 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.

• Rachel (Rei) Cheetham – A proud Euahlayi and Ngemba woman, Rachel is deeply committed to fostering cultural connections and empowering communities through the arts. With nearly two decades of experience in the arts and community sector, Rei has played key roles in regional festivals like This Is Not Art and Bluesfest, and has worked for the Australia Council for the Arts. 

• 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.

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. 

• Amy Sambrooke – As the former Creative Director of Varuna, the National Writers' House, and Artistic Director of the Blue Mountains Writers’ Festival, Amy Sambrooke has led major arts initiatives and held senior roles in program leadership, education, and communications. Starting her career as a Producer at ABC Sydney, she is a graduate of Macquarie University and AFTRS and has served on advisory committees for visual arts, heritage, and not-for-profit organisations.

• 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 Kennan AM – Co-founding and leading Story Factory, Catherine has revolutionised creative writing opportunities for young people in under-resourced Sydney communities, earning the 2016 Australian of the Year Local Hero award. Formerly an arts writer and literary editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, she still freelances for various publications while advocating for youth literacy and creativity.

• 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.

• Eunice Andrada – Winning the Anne Elder Award for her debut collection Flood Damages, Eunice is a celebrated poet whose work has earned multiple prestigious honours, including finalists for the Stella Prize and NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. A passionate educator and cultural worker, she has also curated impactful programs for institutions like Inner West Libraries and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

• 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.

• Jane Messer – Drawing on thirty years of expertise in the cultural sector, Jane is an  acclaimed fiction and nonfiction writer who has authored novels, radio plays, essays, and short stories, while also mentoring emerging writers and leading creative writing programs at Macquarie University. A former Director of the Australian Society of Authors, she continues to support the literary community as an assessor, mentor, and teacher, while working with diverse writers and fostering partnerships with major literary festivals and organisations.

• Jessica Alice – Leading Australia's largest regional writers festival, Jessica has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape, amplifying new voices, and facilitating vibrant literary discussions. With a background as CEO of Writers SA and roles in prominent arts organisations like Melbourne Writers Festival, she remains a strong advocate for the arts through her governance positions with the National Young Writers Festival and the Kat Muscat Fellowship.

• 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 and serves on the University of Newcastle's external advisory board, 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. 

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

• Brittanie Shipway - Chair

  

  Brittanie Shipway is a Gumbaynggirr and Turkish storyteller with a diverse background in singing, acting, directing, writing, and dramaturgy. She is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices in the Australian theatre landscape. Her debut play, A Letter For Molly, premiered at the Ensemble Theatre and was developed as part of Belvoir's residency, earning a semi-finalist position in the Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award and a nomination for Best Play at the 2022 Broadway World Awards. 

  Following this success, her play Senser premiered at Theatre Works in 2022, featuring original music by Jess Newman. Brittanie was awarded the Dreaming Award from the Australia Council for the Arts to develop her musical, Yellow Rock, which received further support from Create NSW and the APRA AMCOS Professional Development Awards. As a dramaturg, she has contributed to notable projects like Laura Murphy's Zombie! and Hannah Reilly's The Deb. In addition to her creative work, Brittanie has been actively involved in leadership roles, serving on the boards of the Australian Music Theatre Festival and Theatre Works. She assesses the APRA AMCOS Professional Development Awards and teaches musical theatre at NIDA, fostering emerging talent. 

  Brittanie aims to create a legacy that champions authentic storytelling and empowers artists. In 2025, she will direct Once On This Island at The Hayes, Smile for Neglected Musicals, and star in a national tour of Pirates of Penzance. 

• 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.

• Ebony Bott – With over 20 years of experience across senior curatorial, marketing, and audience development roles, Ebony is currently the Head of Contemporary Performance at Sydney Opera House, where she curates an ambitious program including theatre, cabaret and dance. Her previous roles include Creative Director at Adelaide Festival Centre and Creative Producer at Arts Centre Melbourne.

• 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.

• Nithya Nagarajan – Nithya is an artist working across theatre, contemporary performance, and moving image, bringing extensive leadership experience as Curator and Artist Development at Parramatta Artists Studios and former co-Artistic Director at Arts House. With a PhD in Performance Studies, she is deeply involved in the arts community, serving on multiple boards, co-founding the South Asian artist collective H-ME W-RK, and leading a diverse range of creative projects, residencies, and consulting work.

• 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.

• Simon Wellington – As Executive Producer and CEO of Performing Lines, Simon brings nearly 30 years of experience in arts management, programming, and producing across Australia, Indonesia, and the UK. His career highlights include leadership roles at Griffin Theatre, Urban Theatre Projects, and Theatre Royal, as well as working with Arts Council England and key festivals such as Ten Days on the Island.

• 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.

• Valentina Corona – A Creative Producer and Director with expertise in arts journalism, marketing, and multiplatform media, Valentina currently leads as Creative Producer at Shopfront Arts Co-op and Director of Young Audience Development at Playwave, enhancing arts accessibility for young people across Greater Sydney. Valentine has also mentored at the European Festivals Association and independently produced for major arts festivals, including the Edinburgh and Adelaide Fringe.

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

• Michael Dagostino - Chair

  

  Michael Dagostino has over 25 years of experience in the contemporary arts, museums, and the creative sector. Appointed Director of the Chau Chak Wing Museum in 2023, he has brought a leadership style centered on innovation and engagement. He introduced the museum’s three guiding pillars—access, equity, and authorship—which have shaped a forward-thinking and inclusive approach to its programming and operations. Situated on Gadigal land, the museum is part of the University of Sydney and shares its extensive collections—ranging from First Nations culture to natural history, antiquities, and contemporary art—with diverse communities. Dagostino is also responsible for overseeing the Seymour Centre and public art.  

  Previously, Dagostino served as Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre from 2011, where he gained recognition for major exhibitions such as With Secrecy and Despatch (2016), which examined the impact of colonisation in both Australia and Canada. His work also included commissioning the Australian vignette of Lisa Reihana’s In Pursuit of Venus [Infected] (2017), which debuted at the Venice Biennale and later premiered at Campbelltown Arts Centre. His leadership across both institutions has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Imagine Awards and the prestigious ICOM (International Council of Museums) award for groundbreaking exhibitions.  

  Dagostino's leadership roles extend to chairing Artspace and serving on the boards of Accessible Arts, FBi Radio, Sydney Dance Company and the Sydney Writers Festival, as well as holding advisory positions on the NSW State Government Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee, the NSW State Ministerial Advisory Panel, Western Sydney Arts Alliance, and the Sydney Cultural Network. 

• 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 is also a prominent figure in cultural governance, holding key positions at Penrith Performing & Visual Arts and Sydney Culture Network.

• Andrew Lavery – As Co-Director and Co-Chair of Sydney College of the Arts at the University of Sydney, Andrew is a dynamic leader in contemporary art education with over 20 years of academic experience. A master glass artist turned multidisciplinary practitioner, Lavery’s word is widely exhibited and held in prestigious collections, while his leadership extends to key advisory and board roles in the arts sector.

• April Phillips – A Wiradjuri-Scottish illustrator and visual arts educator based on Yuin country, April is an innovative practitioner who collaborates with art institutions and schools to create engaging visual storytelling experiences. Specializing in character design and virtual technologies, she connects diverse audiences, using virtual excursions to ensure access for young people in remote areas.

• 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.

• Jeyne Wade – Based on the unceded land of the Cabrogal people, Jeyne Wade is an emerging multi-disciplinary artist working across photography, video, and installation. As co-director of Pari and Creative Producer at Utp, Jeyne has exhibited at prominent venues like the Art Gallery of NSW and Babekuhl Gallery, and is currently featured in the public art installation The Places We Call Home at Stockland Merrylands.

• 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.

• Khaled Sabsabi – Born in Tripoli, Lebanon, and migrating to Australia in 1976, Khaled began as a Hip-Hop artist in Western Sydney before becoming a full-time professional known for his mixed media and site-specific installations. With numerous accolades, including an Australia Council Fellowship, Helen Lempriere Travelling Art Scholarship, and Creative Australia Award, his works have been showcased in over 90 exhibitions worldwide, including prestigious events like the Biennale of Sydney, Sharjah Biennial, and Marrakech Biennale.

• 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.

• Lee-Ann Hall – With extensive experience in both academia and the arts sector, Lee-Ann has led Wagga Wagga Art Gallery since 2020 and previously served as Director of Penrith Regional Gallery from 2012 to 2018. Specialising in exhibition programming, arts governance, and research, her leadership spans roles in arts organisations, academia, and as a research associate, alongside advisory positions such as Artform Advisory Board Member for Visual Arts (2023-2024).

• Luke Letourneau – As the Curatorial and Collections Lead at 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.

• Michelle Newton – With over a decade at Artspace Sydney, Michelle has co-commissioned and co-curated major projects with international institutions while playing a key role in editing and writing monographs for renowned artists such as Marco Fusinato, Taloi Havini, and Mel O’Callaghan. Her extensive career also includes pivotal roles at First Nations-led art centres in the Tiwi Islands and Gija Country, as well as serving as Chair of Cementa, Inc. since 2019.

• 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.