Farewell from Jane Fuller, Executive Director ANR
I have had the privilege of leading Arts Northern Rivers since 2021. During this time, the organisation has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, particularly in response to the devastating floods of early 2022—the largest natural disaster in Australian history. In the aftermath, we delivered the Northern Rivers Creative Sector Recovery Forum, raised and distributed over $250,000 in 1:1 support funding for independent creatives, and developed innovative recovery projects such as Expansive Encounters in partnership with Christchurch, New Zealand, and Site Lab—a 6 month takeover of spaces for public art in recovery.
We also programmed and produced the Auslan Creative Festival, collaborated with the MCA on an access partnership project, ran the panel-based series Art Practice in 3 Bites, and delivered creative developments for Smoke, all while ensuring the organisation remained sustainable and responsive to the sector’s needs. During my tenure, Arts Northern Rivers has grown significantly, now serving a larger portion of the sector and recognised nationally as the largest creative region outside a major city.
In 2024–25, we delivered the groundbreaking Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali project: a publication in 2024 and a three-gallery regional exhibition in 2025, presenting First Nations Bundjalung objects alongside new works by contemporary artists. This project further cemented Arts Northern Rivers’ commitment to First Nations cultural leadership and creative sector advocacy. Our programs during this time have also included the ever-popular Art on Bundjalung Market, the Emerging Pathways Lab for First Nations creatives, funding the Byron School of Art scholarship program for First Nations artists, delivering outreach initiatives, and administering the CASP funding program. In 2025, we released the first-of-its-kind sector report, Who We Are, providing groundbreaking, evidence-based insights to strengthen advocacy for the Northern Rivers creative community.
I am proud of my time at Arts Northern Rivers and the work we have achieved together. I will be leaving in the first quarter of 2026 to explore new adventures, travel, and reconnect with my freelance practice. I want to sincerely thank the sector for its generosity, collaboration, and inspiration. The search for the next leader of this incredible organisation is now underway. I hope to connect with many of you before and after February!
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We are now taking applications for a new Executive Director, please find all details here.
