Our role in NSW arts and culture
At Create NSW we work to grow, empower and strengthen the arts, culture and creative industries. We're part of the NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).
Our team collaborate with artists, government, business and the broader community.
Many of us have creative and professional experience in the arts, and we bring empathy, passion and expertise to our roles.
We believe creativity and culture shapes our identity, connects our community and strengthens our economy.
This helps us champion and support the sector for the benefit of everyone in NSW.
To read more about our role and functions see What we do. If you're interested in joining our team, see Work with us.
Our NSW Minister for the Arts
The Hon. John Graham, MLC is NSW Minister for the Arts.
Visit NSW Parliament House website The Hon. John Graham MLC
Our Executive team
Kerri Glasscock, Executive Director, Create NSW
Kerri Glasscock is the Executive Director of Create NSW and a highly respected leader in Australia’s arts and cultural sector. Prior to joining Create NSW, she served as CEO and Festival Director of the Sydney Fringe Festival since 2013.
With a background as an independent theatre maker, award-winning venue owner, and artistic director, Kerri has built a strong reputation as a passionate advocate for the creative industries. Her work spans across cultural policy, sector development, and supporting independent artists, making her a key figure in shaping the future of arts in New South Wales.
David Gordon, Director Program Development & Delivery
Since joining the Arts and Justice Services Division as Executive Officer in 2016, David has held a number of roles across the creative industries portfolio.
He joined Create NSW as Senior Manager, Research & Evaluation, leading an analysis of the cultural sector that is critical to shaping the development of programs, policies and initiatives to drive viability and vibrancy of the arts, screen and cultural sectors in NSW.
Most recently, David was Director Creative Economy, leading Create NSW's sector support through COVID and driving improved grant administration governance and reformed funding programs as part of the Creative Communities policy implementation.
Before his time at Create NSW, David led policy and strategy teams within other NSW government agencies.
Lauren Judge, Director Policy & Strategy
Lauren brings deep purpose and sharp insight to every space she enters. With a background spanning Theatre, Law, and major whole-of-government reform, she blends creativity, systems thinking, and cultural integrity in a way that will genuinely shift how we work.
Across Education, Justice, central agencies, and Aboriginal affairs, she has built culturally safe teams, led complex legislative and strategic reforms, and championed better outcomes for community — always with conviction, generosity, and impact.
Marcus Westbury OAM, Director, Creative Spaces
Marcus served as founding CEO of FB IDEAs supporting Place Making and experimentation in Fishermans Bend Victoria. Prior to that Marcus spent five years as CEO of the major redevelopment of the former Collingwood TAFE site, now the vibrant creative precinct Collingwood Yards.
With a career that spans urbanism, media, placemaking, cultural strategy and festival direction, Marcus has a track record of turning big ideas into catalytic projects for communities.
From founding the groundbreaking This Is Not Art and National Young Writers’ Festival, spearheading the internationally recognised Renew Newcastle initiative, to shaping major programs like Vivid Ideas, Marcus has been at the forefront of creative-led citymaking in Australia.
Contact our team
At any time, you can Contact Us and find out ways to stay informed about news, grants, resources, access social media or subscribe to our newsletter.
To access funding, services and programs see Create NSW