Arts North West welcomes a new Executive Director to the team. Lauren Mackley, a New England North West local has taken over the helm at Arts North West . Arts North West is the Regional Arts Development Organisation for the region, servicing eleven LGAs with the main focus of developing and programming arts and cultural opportunities and offering advocacy and advice to foster and build creative capacity in regional communities.
Lauren joins the Arts North West team with local knowledge and leadership skills having previously worked as the Cultural Precinct Team Leader, and Arts and Cultural Officer at Gunnedah Shire Council.
“Lauren is looking forward to working with our contributing councils to continue to build creative and cultural opportunities and offerings across our region” said Anna Watt, Chair of the Arts North West Board.
“Lauren has an extensive understanding of arts and culture in the regions, along with good insight to the governance and operations of Arts North West, having been a member of the Arts North West Board for several years” Ms Watt continued.
Growing up in Manilla, Lauren has worked and lived throughout the New England North West region. Lauren has a Degree in Contemporary Arts and Education and is currently enrolled in a Graduate Certificate of Urban and Regional Planning at UNE.
Lauren has been nominated for the NSW Premier’s Youth Awards for her dedication to the arts and is the recipient of the Leo Kelly Local Government Arts Awards for her innovative consultation with First Nations communities. Many of her projects and collaborations have won national and regional recognition for their contribution to the arts sector, tourism and economic benefits to regional communities.
“I am excited to be the successful incumbent for this prestigious position and I am enthusiastic and inspired to be instrumental in supporting and fostering the creative future of our region.
“Cultural tourism is high on the agenda for State, Federal and many local governments in Regional NSW; as an opportunity to diversify economies, increase livability and create communities of social connectedness.“ Ms Mackley said.
“This is the opportune time to showcase our regional identity, celebrate our creative communities, invest in the development and delivery of cultural and creative capital and infrastructure throughout the Arts North West service area” continued Ms Mackley.
Lauren will be working between the Glen Innes office and Gunnedah and can be contacted via rado@artsnw.com.au or via 0493 316 463.