August 2024 Plenary - Western Sydney cultural transformation
Date: Monday 19 August 2024 from 2-4pm
Venue: Riverside Theatre, Parramatta
Investment in Western Sydney’s cultural arts economy is driving major change and urban development across Australia’s fastest growing area. Hear from cultural leaders who will discuss the significant changes taking place across the sector and the opportunities for engagement that will emerge through current and future projects.
The plenary was convened by Anne Loxley, Executive Director, ACE and speakers include Mouna Zaylah, Director, Campbelltown Arts Centre; Lisa Havilah, Chief Executive, Powerhouse; Craig McMaster, Director, Riverside and Akala Newman, First Nations Program Advisor for ACE, with a Welcome to Country from dance artist, choreographer and designer Peta Strachan.
Afternoon tea and networking will be followed by an optional self-guided walk around the precinct.
Plenary speakers
Peta Strachan is a multi-disciplinary dance artist, dance teacher, choreographer, set designer and costume designer. Peta was a member of Bangarra Dance Theatre from 2000 to 2002, appearing in the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics Arts Festival, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and dancing in Skin, Corroboree and Walkabout and the opening of Canberra’s Museum of Contemporary Art.
Anne Loxley joined ACE as Executive Director in 2020. Previously Anne was Senior Curator, C3West, for Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art, (2011-2019) where she developed innovative ways for artists to collaborate with communities, businesses and non- arts organisations, to address important concerns. 2017 – 2019 she was program associate, visual arts, Perth Festivals. Anne is an alumna of the Australia Council’s 2019 Leadership Program.
Mouna Zaylah Is the new Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre. She brings over 10 years of leadership experience, and over 30 years’ experience in the arts and cultural sector, to the role. Her tenure at Campbelltown Council spans over 8 years, having previously been influential in her position as Business and Engagement Manager at the Arts Centre. Mouna played a pivotal role in developing a strong education and engagement program, catering to young people and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. She has also played an important role in developing the public art program that has become an integral part of the revitalisation of Queen Street, and has most recently led the development of the City’s first Cultural Strategy – Creative Campbelltown 2024-2030.
Lisa Havilah is Chief Executive of the Powerhouse which incorporates Powerhouse Parramatta, Powerhouse Ultimo, Powerhouse Castle Hill, Sydney Observatory and Powerhouse Digital. From 2012 to 2019, Lisa was the Director of Carriageworks. Under her leadership Carriageworks experienced extraordinary audience, artistic and commercial growth, becoming the fastest growing cultural precinct in Australia. Previously, she was Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre, where she pioneered an internationally renowned contemporary arts program that brought together culturally and socially diverse communities.
Craig McMaster is the Director of Riverside Theatres Parramatta, the premier performing arts and cultural venue in Western Sydney.He is responsible for leading the Riverside and National Theatre of Parramatta teams to deliver a rich and diverse program in artistic, commercial and community works. Craig has an extensive senior leadership background in entertainment and the arts with more than 30 years industry experience in theatre, cinema, events and venue management, ticketing, marketing and technology. Previously Craig held the role of Project and Executive Director of Sydney Coliseum Theatre, West HQ.
Akala Newman is a Wiradjuri/Gadigal multi-disciplinary performer, songwriter, educator and cultural producer and First Nations Program Advisor for ACE. Her artistry is influenced by fantasy and magic; she challenges the notion of what it means to be a First Nations woman today and to live by your narrative through her sound.
