Ann Niddrie is a Blue Mountains-based creative industries strategist, creative producer and inter-disciplinary artist working at the intersection of art and science. A former MTNS MADE Brand Manager, Ann facilitates strategic partnerships and is a strong advocate for investment in the creative industries and in valuing their contribution not only to Australia’s cultural fabric, but also to the economy.

Dr Katrina Sandbach is the Deputy Dean of the School of Humanities and Communication Arts at Western Sydney University. She is a creative strategist, academic leader, and design educator with over 25 years of experience in the creative industries and higher education.

Veechi Stuart is the Executive Director of Varuna, the Nartional Writers’ House. Her career has taken her on many adventures, including working as a journalist, writer, editor, publisher and business consultant. Before working at Varuna, Veechi worked as a columnist at the Sydney Morning Herald and as Publishing Manager for Woodslane Press. She is the author of over a dozen non-fiction titles, including bushwalking guides for both the Blue Mountains and Sydney. Veechi has been a director on several community organisation boards, and has acted as an advisor to many businesses and non-profit organisations for over 20 years. She recently completed her MBA studies, including a research project into the contribution of regional writers’ centres to social inclusion. Veechi was recently nominated as a Cultural Leader by the Blue Mountains Artists Network.

Rilka Oakley is a Curator and Arts Manager living and working on the Ngurra (Country) of the Dharug and Gundungurra peoples in the Blue Mountains. She has worked in curatorial and arts administration since the late 1990s and is currently the Artistic Program Leader at Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.

Kelsie King is a proud Gundungurra woman from the Gedumba Clan. From the age of 13 Kelsie was taught to paint by Gamillaroi Aunt Elly Chatfield. Growing up in the Blue Mountains and navigating the art field as a young Indigenous artist, Kelsie has a unique experience and perspective to offer.