Shelley Pisani / Artlands 2023

My name is Shelley Pisani, currently wearing several hats: Business Manager for Bridges Health & Community Care to develop the new arts, culture and wellbeing precinct and associated projects and programs; the owner and Creative Producer of The Ideas Distillery, specialising in consultation and training for government and the arts sector; the owner and coach for Makers’ Shopfront, a creative entrepreneurship program for visual arts; and a practicing artist in the fields of ceramics, printmaking and mixed media. All of these opportunities have been afforded to me on Taribelang Bunda, Gurang, Gooreng Goreeng and Bailai country, also known as Bundaberg, where I am privileged to live and work.

I have 29 years of experience in the arts industry from studio artist to gallery director, curator, consultant and founding director of non-for-profit organisation Creative Regions Ltd.

I specialise in producing projects in the areas of visual arts and design, public art, place activation, multiarts, creative entrepreneurship, arts-led recovery, arts and health, festivals and events. My background and qualifications in arts management have led to mentoring regional artists and leading industry skill development. I have also played a strong role in local government arts and cultural policy and strategy development and led a number of significant arts sector funded initiatives.

I am so grateful to have a career that allows me to be a practicing artist whilst supporting communities and other artists to reach their full potential through the arts.