Diversity Arts Australia welcomes two new board members, strengthening leadership for equity in the creative sectors
Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS) is pleased to announce the appointment of two new board members, philanthropy leader Melina Talanis and academic and inclusion specialist Dr Bilquis Ghani. Together, they bring extensive expertise in philanthropy, equity, research, and community engagement, further strengthening DARTS’ commitment to cultural equity and inclusion across Australia’s creative sectors.
“We are delighted to welcome Melina and Bilquis to the DARTS Board. Their combined expertise in philanthropy, research, equity and community engagement will strengthen our governance and broaden the perspectives we bring to supporting cultural equity across the creative sector, as we continue to grow and advocate nationally,” said DARTS Chair Cecilia Anthony.
“Melina and Bilquis bring deep expertise and lived experience that will help us expand our impact and sustain our work into the future. Their leadership will support DARTS to keep advocating for cultural and racial equity at every level of the arts and creative sectors,” said DARTS CEO Lena Nahlous.
About Melina Talanis
Melina Talanis is an experienced philanthropy and fundraising leader with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and social justice. As Acting Executive Director of St Vincent’s Foundation Victoria, she leads major philanthropic initiatives and strategic partnerships that advance healthcare access and innovation. Over more than a decade in the health and higher education sectors, she has developed deep expertise in translating organisational opportunities into compelling cases for support and aligning diverse groups around shared impact.
About Dr Bilquis Ghani
Dr Bilquis Ghani is Lecturer in Arts at the University of Canberra. Her research focuses on the mobilisation of the creative process through moments of social and cultural rupture. She is lead for Hunar Symposia, a collective of academics and artists creating spaces of decolonisation, discourse and collaboration between practice and theory. With decades of experience in equity, inclusion and community outreach in both tertiary education and the arts, Bilquis brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
With these new appointments, DARTS’ board continues to reflect the diverse leadership that is essential to shaping an equitable and vibrant creative sector in Australia.
About Diversity Arts Australia
Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS) is the national voice for cultural and racial equity in the arts, screen and creative sectors, in an ethnocultural and migrant context. We work with artists, creatives, organisations and communities to build a creative sector that reflects the rich diversity of Australia, through research, advocacy, programs and sector development.