Throughout my career I have pursued three passions: arts, advocacy and academia – often simultaneously.
Built on a foundational role at UNSW College of Fine Arts Students’ Association (now UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture) my work has explored the combined benefits of creativity, arts, and psychology for individual, community, and arts-industry wellbeing. I have delivered this through lectures, workshops, consulting, research, articles, partnerships, a book, and creative projects.
I have worked mostly across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and Melbourne, but a decade ago returned to my home region in rural NSW. Here I have combined teaching at UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture with a small Community Arts and Cultural Development practice in Harden-Murrumburrah and a range of responsive advocacy projects. Since COVID-19.
Plans are underway to return to Melbourne.
Education
Executive Master of Arts (Dean’s Honours List), University of Melbourne
Work of Art Development Program, Regional Arts NSW [funded by Women NSW]
Foundations of University Learning and Teaching, University of New South Wales
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Art Therapy, University of Sydney
Visual Arts: Photography and Painting, RMIT Open Learning
Diploma of Freelance Journalism, Australian News Syndicate
Bachelor of Science, Psychology (Hons), University of Wollongong
Experience
Teaching: UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture; Australian Film Television and Radio School
Community Arts: Third Place Studio; Kalumburu Kids; Blue Mountains Cultural Centre; Redfern PCYC
Festival Leadership: Art Month Sydney; Surry Hills Festival
Student Advocacy: UNSW COFA Students’ Association; UNSW Postgraduate Board
Author / Writer: Lazing on a Sunday Crafternoon; Arts Interview; articles; academic papers
Organisational Development: Lush Handmade Cosmetics; creative support for new Small and Medium Enterprises
Research & Advocacy: arts and health; disability and inclusion in education; sleep disorders and treatment access; cultural mediation; local government policy, and governance
