Kate Fielding has led ANA since its inception in 2018, drawing together a unique alliance of people across the country in governance, advisory and staffing roles to create a foundation on which ANA could grow and thrive. In this time, ANA has been credited with contributing to a distinct shift in the conversation and knowledge about arts and culture in Australia. Prior to her role with ANA, Kate was the Chair of the Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission in Kalgoorlie, and a member of the Board of the Australia Council for the Arts. She has been the Chair of Regional Arts Australia and of Country Arts WA, and was named a 40Under40 WA Business Leader in 2017.

Paul Mac Phail joined A New Approach as Chief Operating Officer in 2022. He has previously been providing leadership and direction to companies and projects big and small in Western Australia for almost forty years. Working primarily in the fields of Youth, Regional and First Nations arts and culture, Paul was instrumental in setting up both Southern Edge Arts (Albany) and Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation (Perth). As a practicing artist in his own right, he has written and directed theatre for young people including AMY’S MONSTER, THE MIDNIGHT GANG and STARLIGHT STARBRIGHT (for the Festival of Perth). Paul ran his own arts consultancy, Get Art Done for 3 years before returning in 2015 to Regional Arts WA where he had previously worked as General Manager. As CEO, he initiated and delivered a Ten-Year Vision, including an overhaul of the Governance structure, a major rebrand, a redesign of programming aligned with Peak Service delivery and the introduction of two major cultural infrastructure projects – a Regional Arts Network and statewide Outcomes Measurement Framework.

Dr Angie Vivian joins the ANA with 5 years experience working in Commonwealth government departments, including on local and global gender equality initiatives. Formerly a researcher and project officer in universities and non-profit organisations, Angie holds a PhD in criminology and expertise in qualitative research methods. Angie champions ethical and innovative research approaches to addressing complex policy problems. Angie is a voluntary guide at the National Gallery of Australia, training to deliver collection-based tours for adult and primary school audiences.

Alexandra Nichols joined ANA in 2021. With a background in strategic communications, Alexandra’s work has been focused on the intersection of research and policy. Previously Alexandra was the Director of Communications and Engagement at the Australian National University College of Asia and the Pacific, the leading centre for research on Australia and its region. Prior to this, she worked as the Head of Communications at the Centre for Science and Policy at the University of Cambridge responsible for enhancing opportunities for knowledge exchange and research impact. Before joining the university sector, Alexandra worked in government leading communications for major reform projects.

Dr Alan Hui joined ANA with a deep interest in public policy, inclusion and the arts. In the federal public service, he helped deliver copyright reforms and regional subsidies, and negotiate trade agreements with Australia’s major trading partners. At the Office of Impact Analysis, he supported public servants to improve evidence for major transport, communications and arts policies. Alan was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oslo, and his research explains how copyright law and platform regulation impacts how musicians make and share music. He has a long involvement in for-purpose organisations and the arts, including as a former Chair of Music for Canberra and as an active musician in improvised theatre.

Aakanksha joined ANA in 2021 as Manager of Operations for ANA. Entrepreneurially spirited, Aakanksha has educational qualifications and experience across various creative industries like contemporary fashion, performing arts and arts education. Working and studying across multiple regions in South and East Asia, Middle East, Europe, and now a foothold in Australia, Aakanksha holds a uniquely global cultural perspective that has cultivated their interest in independent artistry, arts advocacy, entrepreneurship, design thinking, and authentic diversity. She has recently completed a Masters of Arts and Cultural Management from the University of Melbourne and brings with her the experience of a freelance practice as a designer, writer, and artist manager.

Dr Sari Rossi is a mixed methods researcher with competencies in quantitative, qualitative, and practice-led approaches. Recently, Sari completed a PhD examining fiscal arts support at QUT’s Faculty of Business and Law. Prior to delving into a research career, Sari worked professionally as an artist and arts worker specialising in contemporary art. Most notably, Sari was a director of Ptarmigan, a cultural platform operating in Helsinki and Tallinn. With diverse educational qualifications across accountancy, fine arts and performance studies, Sari finds strength in applying an interdisciplinary approach to both research and life. Sari is particularly passionate about using her proficiencies in business, law, and accountancy to increase the financial acumen for individuals working within arts and culture.

Growing up engaging in dance, music and art in Canberra, Sunny is a keen participant in the arts and cultural scenes of Australia and overseas, and an advocate for accessibility and diversity in these spaces. With an academic background in linguistics and current study in records management and archives, they are passionate about culturally sensitive knowledge-sharing and ethical preservation approaches. Sunny is interested in using this experience to promote the understanding of less-visible cultures within Australia and internationally through working in policy, research and archives.

Camilla is an experienced and hands-on communications professional, who joins ANA after 8 years working as a freelance writer, content creator, web producer and digital marketer. Prior to this, Camilla worked within various communications teams for government departments, non-profits and corporations in both Sydney and London. She studied music as her first degree, before completing an MA in Journalism. Camilla is a long-time participant in the performing arts, including amateur theatre and music ensembles, and has taught instrumental music to primary school students. Now living in regional NSW, she is passionate about arts accessibility, in particular the benefits of providing all children with enriching cultural experiences, no matter where they live.