We are thrilled to congratulate the 20 graduates of the inaugural Shifting The Balance Leadership Program — a remarkable cohort of artists, producers, writers, performers, and cultural leaders whose vision and creativity are shaping a more inclusive future for our sector:
Congratulations to:
- Ali Ibrahim (Conservator, Western Sydney Project, Chau Chak Wing Museum)
- Athésia (Singer/Songwriter/Presenter/Producer/Actor)
- Belinda Jombwe (Producer/Writer/Actor)
- Coti Cibils (Multidisciplinary artist/Movement Therapist)
- Danielle Tuwai (Arts and Cultural Project Manager)
- Jonathan Chan (Performer/Co-Chair, MEAA Equity Diversity)
- Juan Guillermo Robayo Gómez (Artist/Filmmaker)
- Laura Luna-Zamora (Community, Arts and Cultural Leader)
- Lucia Tường Vy Nguyễn (Senior Editor, Currency Press)
- Lusiana (Lusi) Austin (Writer/Composer/Director, Lemon Tea Theatre)
- Maissa Alameddine (Interdisciplinary Artist/Arts/Worker/Creative Producer)
- Marian Abboud (Multilingual Programs Artistic Director, Think+DO Tank Foundation)
- Moones Mansoubi (Community, Arts and Cultural Development Worker)
- Neel Banerjee (Founder/Creative Director, Nautanki Theatre Company)
- Nicole Pingon (Multidisciplinary Artist)
- Oumi Karenga-Hewitt (Chair, Western Riverina Arts)
- Piumi Wijesundara (Theatre Practitioner/Public Programs Producer, Cultural Facilities Corporation)
- Talia Smith (Coordinator Programming, Blacktown Arts)
- Vanessa Andres (National Program Manager, Story Factory)
- Yuki Kawakami (Creative Learning Programs Producer, Art Gallery of NSW)
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the phase two graduate speakers about their self-directed fellowships. Shout-out to special guest speakers: Lamia Dabboussy (MCA), Francisca Pena (DARTS Board), Teik-Kim Pok (City of Sydney), David Gordon (Create NSW) & Dr Paula Abood and Dr Amrit Versha (TAFE NSW).
Thank you to MCA, City of Sydney, City of Parramatta, Create NSW, Creative Australia and TAFE NSW, whose support have helped make this milestone possible.