Thom Roberts' practice often captures the magic of evolving infrastructure. Cities are re-developed, buildings are renovated, and Tangaras are refreshed, all to make way for new additions and advancements. Thom's favourite? Updates to the Sydney train system and Waratahs being "phased in," as he likes to say. Similarly, at Studio A, 2024 is a time for renewal, refreshment and evolution as we enter a bittersweet period of board renewal. Several Directors pass the baton and welcome new board members Deborah Ely AM, Ross Harley AM, and Lindsay Clement-Meehan.
As difficult as it is to see some of our founding members move on, the "phasing in" of new Directors allows us to imbue our leadership with new voices and innovative ideas, helping the Studio stay dynamic and responsive and expand our outreach and impact.
Gabrielle Mordy, Studio A's CEO and Artistic Director, reflects on our board's guidance and meaningful influence on Studio A.
"As a first-time CEO and founder, starting Studio A was an intimidating task. Studio A’s founding board members made a fundamental difference to my confidence and gave this arts company its wings, taking it from a promising idea to a flourishing reality. I feel so lucky to have worked with a board of directors that I not only respect but that I like. Amongst the robust discussion and analysis, our board meetings are always infused with good humour.
I want to personally thank Studio A’s foundational Directors, including our Chair Shane Simpson AM, Steve Badgery, John McCabe, Douglas Spencer OAM, Kim Spinks, Barbara Ward, Lorraine Tarabay and Dan Wright for believing in me, our team and crucially the Studio A artists. Our foundational board generously gifted countless hours, priceless expertise, their trust and, importantly, their heart to ensure the important work we do at Studio A has integrity and sustainability. As we enter this inevitable stage of board renewal - I acknowledge the contribution each Director has made to realising the success of Studio A and to fostering the healthy culture that is at the heart of everything we do.
Just like the seasons, change is good and necessary. It is with excitement I welcome our new board and a new chapter for Studio A. We announce this renewal in the Spring of 2024. In the spirit of the fresh warm weather that surrounds us, I am thrilled to work with this new team of passionate professionals to support Studio A artists' creativity to further blossom."
This board renewal means we must sadly say farewell to Steve Badgery, Barbara Ward, Kim Spinks and Shane Simpson AM, who, with their fellow Directors, have shaped Studio A with their collective leadership, guidance, talent and time into an industry leader in the supported studio space. As Gabrielle expressed, thank you all for wholly investing yourselves in support of us.
"Basil (John McCabe) has replaced Adam (Shane Simpson) as the boss!" - Thom Roberts
It is with particular sadness that Shane Simpson AM, our founding Chair, steps down. Shane has contributed his time, over 30 years of experience, and, most importantly, his heart to our artists. Thom Roberts, in particular, forged a brotherly bond with Shane (who he calls 'Adam'). Exemplifying this special connection, Thom asked Shane to sit for his 2021 Archibald prize submission.
"I wanted to do a portriff of Adam on a great big canvas. He's like my big brother." - Thom Roberts
This accomplished portrait, A Portriff of Adam (Shane Simpson AM), was a pivotal step in Thom's career, as he was named an Archibald finalist for the first time. The work was also chosen to grace the front of the Art Gallery of NSW as a 40-foot banner and the cover of the 2021 Archibald guide.
On his opportunity to sit for Thom, Shane said;
"How did I feel about it being on a 40-foot banner? That was pretty out there. Personally, I thought it was a real hoot, but for Thom, I thought it was absolutely fantastic. What an honour for his work to be chosen as a cover for that hundredth. In terms of the Studio, it's a doorway ... a sign of approval on the part of the Art Gallery of New South Wales."
As Shane moves on from his position at Studio A, John McCabe has stepped up as Chair. John, the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of LSM Asia Pacific, is already a director of our Board, and brings the wide range of experience he has garnered across multiple positions and boards to the role of Chair. John will continue to steer us at Studio A with his excellent leadership and commitment.
We would like to extend a warm welcome and allow our newest Directors, Deborah Ely AM, Lindsay Clement-Meehan, and Ross Harley AM, to introduce themselves to everyone who follows Studio A.
Deborah Ely AM (Named 'Zeb' by Thom) is an arts consultant with extensive leadership experience in the cultural sectors of Australia and the UK, advising government and serving on various boards. A trained painter and art historian, she was the CEO of Bundanon from 2006 to 2021 and has held significant roles at Create NSW, the Australian Centre for Photography, and the Centre for Contemporary Photography. She has lectured on cultural leadership globally and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2018 for her contributions to the visual arts and children's art education.
Deborah has acted in support of Studio A well before joining our Board, going back to 2016 when she invited Meagan Pelham to Bundanon to run a workshop with the public to raise awareness of the endangered Powerful Owl. Deborah was also instrumental in helping us secure our professional new St Leonards Studio.
"Over my career I've been privileged to work (inside and outside government) on shaping and assisting arts companies to meet their potential. As a Studio A Board member I hope I can assist the company to flourish artistically and to continue to change perceptions about the significant contribution artists, of all abilities, make to our wellbeing.
I did a lot of years training as an artist and art historian, but very quickly afterwards moved into management roles, running art galleries and providing advice on arts policy, here and overseas. I remain a total art junkie, but I have a deeply pragmatic base. I have been very fortunate to have been involved in shaping the housing and re-housing, of many arts companies, which aligns with my deep love of good, client-led, architecture.
I believe that a dialogue with audiences is the lifeblood of our arts industry and that we should be always reaching out, as we simultaneously seek to secure great professional environments for artists to do what they do best." - Deborah Ely AM
Lindsay Clement-Meehan (or 'Snoopy' to Thom) is a Melbourne-based communications consultant and passionate supporter of emerging Australian contemporary artists, collecting pieces for over 10 years to deepen her connection to the creative scenes in Sydney and Melbourne. With over 15 years in communications, she has held roles with the Australian Football League, NSW Waratahs, Optus, Telstra, IAG Australia, Commonwealth Bank, and the Bank of Queensland. Currently, at Baldwin Boyle Group, she manages clients in various industries across Australia and New Zealand. Lindsay also serves as a non-executive director for the Olympic National Sports Association and Judo Australia and was previously a committee member of the Museum of Contemporary Art (Sydney) Young Ambassadors program.
"I was incredibly honoured to be asked to join the Board. I've always been so impressed with how well-run Studio A is and the opportunities that have been created for the artists who are involved. It's truly an outperforming social venture that delivers on its objectives while creating a really special community around it, and captivating new fans along the way.
My professional skills are in communications, so where I hope to add value to the Board is to help them share their story in the best way possible to the most people possible. I think the team does an exceptional job already, so I'm looking forward to working with them more to see how we can keep pushing even further. I love sharing the Studio A story, I think it's a concept that everyone can immediately see how special it is, and how important it is to support our artists and celebrate their success." - Lindsay Clement-Meehan
When asked what Lindsay would like people who support Studio A to know about her, she said:
"A tricky question! I would like them to know that I am a passionate supporter of emerging artists, and I think there is always room for more people to love and enjoy art wherever possible. Studio A is helping to make the art world more diverse and interesting, so I will always be their biggest cheerleader!"
Ross Rudesch Harley AM (named 'Jet Black' by Thom, Ross thinks after the colour of the jacket he was wearing at the time) is an Emeritus Professor at UNSW's Arts, Design and Architecture. An award-winning artist, writer and educator, his career spans traditional and creative arts research. His work has been presented at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, New York MoMA, Ars Electronica in Austria, the Biennale of Sydney, and at the Sydney Opera House. After serving as head of the School of Media Arts (2009-2013), he became Dean of UNSW Art & Design (2013-2020). In 2024, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to tertiary education and the arts.
"The first time I came to Studio A, I met half a dozen of the artists working away in the Studio, and I immediately saw how friendly, inclusive, and fun the space was for them to work in. Art is for everyone, and nothing demonstrates that more than the people who make up Studio A. Being part of that in some small way is exciting, and I hope to be able to help artists do what they do best: make amazing art! I've been working as an artist and an educator for several decades, and look forward to using my experience to help Studio A's artists find more opportunities to participate in the professional art world." - Ross Rudesch Harley AM
We hope this gives you all an insight into this period of board renewal and the exciting new skills and personalities that have joined the Studio A family.
Words by Sam Kalis
Photos by Emilio Cresciani
