When I think about why I am attracted to the arts, I see myself as an arts professional driven by the pursuit of what’s visually, intellectually and emotionally stimulating. In 2020, I acquired my MA in Art, Law and Business in New York, and after nearly five years of tertiary studies in the arts, decided to commit my career to working with living artists. During my career journey thus far, I have worked in a range of contemporary art contexts, from auction houses and galleries to digital publishing and consulting across Melbourne, Beijing, Hong Kong and New York. 

I feel the most sense of achievement when the work that I do can spotlight, uplift, or support others, including a broad range of artists, writers, fellow arts workers, organisations and communities. This includes participating in cultural and knowledge exchange programs like the Communicating the Art’s 30UNDER30, as well as my involvement in the Future of Leadership program run by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs. I am also exploring how my professional expertise can help inform others in the form of delivering workshops and working on a board. 

I joined 30UNDER30 at a point in my career where there were a lot of changes and shifts happening across all areas – within the industry, but also society at large. Being part of the mentorship was like an anchor, an opportunity to slow down and reflect from a critical lens. This is exactly what working with my mentor, Anne Eschapasse has been like. Anne has helped guide and support me during a critical juncture of transition, providing wisdom in an honest and transparent way while I navigate a lateral career move – from editorial into local government no less! I’m also grateful for the further connections that Anne has helped facilitate, igniting conversations in my areas of passion to help inform future decisions. 

It was also a pleasure to meet and get to know the other mentees, who have been open and generous with sharing their passions but also the challenges that they face as early-career arts professionals. It makes all the difference in having a cohort to feel that you are not alone, and this sense of collective understanding and support is exactly the kind of impact I hope to create.