We’re thrilled to announce the winners for Stage 2 of the Shifting the Balance Leadership Program, a ground-breaking initiative supporting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) leaders in NSW’s arts and cultural sectors. These inspiring mid-career creatives are now embarking on customised fellowships, mentorships or self-directed projects to deepen their impact. Over the coming months, we’ll be spotlighting their visionary work and leadership journeys. This program, led by Diversity Arts, TAFE NSW and partners, is shaping a more inclusive future in the creative industries.
Congratulations to:
- Ali Ibrahim (Conservator, Western Sydney Project, Chau Chak Wing Museum)
- Athésia Music (Singer/Songwriter/Presenter/Producer/Actor)
- Belinda Jombwe (Producer/Writer/Actor)
- Coti Cibils (Multidisciplinary artist/Movement Therapist)
- Jonathan Chan (Performer/Co-Chair, MEAA Equity Diversity)
- Juan Guillermo Robayo Gómez (Artist/Filmmaker)
- 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)
- Neel Banerjee (Founder/Creative Director, Nautanki Theatre Company)
- Oumi Karenga-Hewitt (Chair, Western Riverina Arts)
- Piumi Wijesundara (Theatre Practitioner/Public Programs Producer, Cultural Facilities Corporation)
- Talia Smith (Coordinator Programming, Blacktown Arts)
- Yuki Kawakami (Creative Learning Programs Producer, Art Gallery of NSW)
Shifting the Balance Leadership Program is a new journey for arts and creative sector leaders seeking fresh ideas, directions, and collaborations. This program, led by Diversity Arts, TAFE NSW, and partners, is tailored to people from underrepresented Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) backgrounds in NSW’s arts and cultural sectors. The program is for mid-career creative professionals with 5+ years of experience, including artistic directors, curators, senior producers, CEOS, managers and others in decision-making and leadership roles committed to equity and social change. The program is delivered in two stages:
Stage 1: Training and masterclasses with subject matter experts, mentoring, and networking that provide participants with creative sector knowledge and career pathways.
Stage 2: Customised program for a select number of participants from Stage 1. Participants may undertake a fellowship, a paid internship/mentorship, further training/leadership development or a specific self-directed project.