Arts North West is delighted to announce the fantastic news that Lauren Mackley, our esteemed Executive Director, is expecting her second child with partner Dion. We are thrilled to celebrate this exciting chapter in Lauren’s life and wish her all the very best as her family grows. Lauren will be taking a 12-month maternity leave, beginning in January 2024, to focus on this wonderful new challenge.
During her time with Arts North West, Lauren has been an invaluable part of our team, bringing her expertise and passion for the arts to her role. Lauren’s deep connection to the New England North West region, where she has worked and lived, has enriched our organisation.
While Lauren takes this well-deserved leave, we are thrilled to announce that her role will be filled by Miranda Heckenberg.
With over two decades of expertise in the arts, cultural heritage, and community engagement sectors, Miranda has carved a path as a creative, strategic, and community-minded professional. She holds a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts (Design) from the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) and a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours in Performance Studies from the University of Sydney.
Her academic background underpins her work with a strong foundation in research methodologies, performance design, graphic design, and storytelling. Her project management experience spans various initiatives that blend digital innovation and storytelling. Miranda is new to role of Executive Director but has a long-standing association with Arts North West, working with us in various roles since Artstate in 2019.
Recently, Miranda has been contracted as a Projects Officer at the Tamworth Regional Gallery and a Roving Digitiser for Museums & Galleries NSW's Storyplace. Previously, she worked as a Digitisation Officer with the Tamworth Regional Council from 2021-2023, funded by Create NSW.
Miranda’s administrative experience, which includes people management, project prioritisation, and financial oversight, is complemented by her ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders. She has worked with volunteers, community groups, young people, and local Councillors, fostering relationships that are respectful, inclusive, and empowering. With her blend of academic rigor, practical experience, and commitment, she is a leading advocate for the cultural vibrancy and resilience of regional Australia.
We are confident that Miranda’s leadership will continue to enhance Arts North West’s mission of fostering cultural vibrancy and resilience across the region. As we celebrate Lauren’s exciting news and welcome Miranda to the team, we look forward to an inspiring year ahead for Arts North West and the communities we serve.