What are your main responsibilities in your current role?
As the founder, I drive the vision and direction of ArtSupport Australia, ensuring the business aligns with the evolving landscape of the arts sector.
How has your professional background prepared you for your current role, and what has been your biggest challenge?
My career spans over a decade, working across various Australian arts organisations in both the private and public sectors, including local government, commercial galleries, cultural festivals, production, live performance venues, and national art fairs. These experiences have provided me with a broad understanding of the arts industry and the ability to support diverse people and projects effectively. One of the biggest challenges I faced before starting ArtSupport was the lack of support and resources for artists and arts workers, particularly in navigating the industry and building essential skills in arts business, marketing, and networking to achieve financial sustainability and career progression. I am deeply passionate about providing practical support to the arts by creating resources that are accessible and inclusive to people of all experience levels, backgrounds, and abilities, especially given the barriers and exclusivity I often encountered within the sector.
What keeps you inspired and informed in a career that is in constant evolution? What platforms do you use to stay informed?
I am inspired by the constant development of technology, which deepens our connections and strengthens our ability to learn and share with one another. My business model is continually evolving as I explore the potential of digital platforms to create resources and programs that can be distributed to a wider audience, helping more individuals. Currently, I am developing white-labeled software platforms like GoHighLevel to further scale the business and maximize its potential.To stay informed, I use accessible platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Google Meet to connect with artists and professionals both locally and internationally. These platforms also provide me with the opportunity to engage with the real-time experiences and challenges of others, allowing me to understand and address immediate issues in the sector while working towards embedding long-term solutions.Beyond technology, my clients inspire and keep me informed about the nuanced issues and challenges they face individually in the sector. This is especially true for emerging to mid-level artists and arts workers, who often encounter barriers to entry, a lack of clear pathways, gatekeeping, and limited employment opportunities in the industry.
What abilities do you think have contributed to the success you have in your career today?
Taking the time to authentically connect and be kind with everyone you meet. As a mentor, I too always have something to learn from my clients. I actively listen to everyone I work with to understand each individuals or organizations challenges and strengths. This also provides me with the opportunity to always be evolving and adapting my business to improve the sector or fill the gaps in between.
What advice would you give to someone who is starting their career?
The first ten years of your career should be about discovering what you don’t want to do. Explore different industries within the arts and the variety of roles they encompass. Identify what you enjoy in your day-to-day work, whether it’s connecting with people, handling operations and administration, programming, arts sales etc. and keep moving forward. Remember, a career in the arts is not linear. It’s normal to experience periods of flux—times when there’s plenty of work or none at all, moments of doubt, or shifts from having many projects to having none. Another important piece of advice is to reach out to professionals in the industry who inspire you. Ask to connect over a call or coffee and learn about their experiences and how they got to where they are now. Put yourself out there, have fun, and stay open to everything that comes your way.