Claire Carlin is…

Claire believes that art helps to have challenging conversations, to amplify quietened voices, connect communities, and enable deep listening experiences that create genuine change.

Claire has over 10 years’ experience working in events having been involved in the development, organisation and delivery of an eclectic mix of events in a variety of different industries including universities, not for profits, craft beer and hospitality. These events ranged from camps for young people, large scale fundraising dinners, and academic symposiums to more intimate experiences such as brewery tours, themed dining functions, and bespoke brewery events for a range of customers and clients. She has been at Placemakers* Gold Coast for more than five years and has worked across the Gold Coast on a wide variety of events. She has a passion for large scale, site specific work and the challenges they can present – she loves to solve a problem. 

Claire graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Applied Theatre in 2006 and returned to complete her Master of Arts and Media (Research) in 2015. 

Mitch Finglas is…

Mitchell Finglas is a multidisciplinary producer and studio artist. Over the past 15 years Mitch has worked in an array of different creative and leadership roles including musician, producer, sound engineer, teacher, songwriter, videographer and artist. Most recently he has been the creative director of of Audio Create, a music studio in Burleigh Heads. With experience in multiple areas in the creative sector Mitch’s skill set allows for a unique vision and insight into each project he is involved in.

Jo-Anne Driessens is…

Jo-Anne was adopted in 1970 and raised in the Western suburbs of Brisbane, her discovery of her Aboriginal family members was led by an interest in photography beginning at the Queensland Museum, Anthropology Lab (now Cultures and History) in the early 90’s followed by the completion of a four year photographic cadetship at the State Library of Queensland in 1999. She continued to work at the State Library of Queensland over a 15-year-period broadening her knowledge, skills and appreciation for Aboriginal family history records and resources. Jo-Anne has also learnt throughout her journey, that she is a Koa person with historical connections to Cherbourg (Barambah), Woorabinda and Yarrabah communities.

Until recently she worked at the City of Gold Coast, as part of the Arts and Culture team supporting programs and initiatives that assist in the development of local artists. A key action is to value and elevate Indigenous Culture as part of the City of Gold Coasts Culture Strategy 2023, which was launched in 2013.

As Seniors Arts and Culture Project Officer she successfully assisted in the growth and development of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists as part of the South Stradbroke Island Indigenous Artist Camp. The 5-day camp has been identified as a quality incubator program for artists and arts industry experts to learn, share and experience new boundaries in art making and processes.

Natalie Popovski is…

Natalie Popovski AKA Nat Pop is a self-taught artist and one of the co-founders of Mint Art House in Burleigh Heads. Her paintings revolve around the mundane, highlighting its significance as an insight into society and culture. Natalie uses her art as a way to explore humankind and the subtle forces that shape and guide us.