Gathering to discuss the state of life over a creative practice has long had benefits for communities, from ‘stitch ‘n bitch’ social knitting circles to the more recent emergence of ‘paint and sip’ commercial offers for friend groups. Whilst these play an important role in providing creative outlets in social settings, art has a deeper role in both understanding mental health and providing therapeutic pathways. Mental wellbeing is key to a resilient and vibrant arts […]

Book Ticket via Eventbrite here* For the last event of a SAMAG mini series on the theme of transformation we will discuss the changing landscape of professional arts administration and leadership with key voices in the field. Please join facilitator and artist Kalanjay Dhir, the CEO of CuriousWorks – Kiriaki Zakinthinos, Director of Bankstown Arts Centre – Rachael Kiang, and Director of Penrith Regional Gallery – Toby Chapman for a jam-packed, audience-engaged conversation. The discussion […]

This event is part of Remix 2023   – ticketing is via Remix Sydney 2023  The global arts and culture sector is currently having a pivotal moment – looking to address long-term strategy, sustainability and growth. So what does this mean in Australia?  What are the questions we should be asking for our contexts? Through this interactive workshop, SAMAG will build on the learning from their sector-wide survey to shed light on some important questions: What […]

Please join Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM in welcoming to Australia esteemed arts leader Karen Brooks Hopkins, President Emerita, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)  SAMAG are delighted to join with Sydney Opera House in presenting Louise Herron and Karen Brooks Hopkins,  both executive leaders of internationally renowned cultural institutions, who will lead a conversation about their successes and challenges in driving a culture of change and excellence in their respective organisations, and will […]

The National Association for the Visual Arts will release the completely revised Code of Practice for Visual Arts, Craft and Design this September. Following a three-year collaborative approach, the new Code sets out equitable, ethical and self-reflective standards for the professional Australian contemporary arts sector. SAMAG will bring together a dynamic panel to explore the updated Code; delving into what is new as well as how the Code can be a valuable asset to artists and arts workers. The panel will also discuss the approach behind this revision, and why transparency and collaboration are a cornerstone of this living industry resource. SAMAG committee member and creative producer Lizzie Crouch will facilitate a panel of Penelope Benton, NAVA Executive Director, artist and researcher, Helen Pynor, and Code writers

Join us for a special event in collaboration with the Art Gallery of NSW to discuss the future of creative careers. Hear from young and emerging practitioners about their concerns, hopes and aspirations. Annette Madden, Head of Theatre at the Australia Council for the Arts will chair this discussion about community, pathways, mentorships and development for young people in the arts alongside sector leaders and independent young creatives. Guest panellists include  Jess Scully, Deputy Lord […]

SAMAG presents our NAIDOC 2021 event, a celebration of the recent First Nations appointments to Sydney’s major cultural institutions. The arts and cultural sector is embracing a long-awaited shift towards more Indigenous leadership, with some of the country’s most important cultural institutions creating dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander positions. This step change is elevating the significance of First Nations culture within our museums, galleries and venues, and ensuring leadership to develop policies, strategies and […]

A night of Mentor Speed Dating – whether you are deep diving into a new project, or switching career paths, we have an expert for you. Join SAMAG for a night of Mentor Speed Dating – whether you are deep diving into a new field or project, looking at switching career paths or wanting to get the low-down on resources and connections to move forward in your career. This SAMAG event can help you connect […]

The arts in all of its forms is able to offer up a unique set of skills and insights that allow artists to develop works that speak to people on a different level of experience. But how are those skills viewed in different sectors? If an artist decides to pivot into a different career, how can they use their skills to grow in a different field? This is a particularly pertinent question during COVID-19 when […]

Join our panel Dr. Jackie Bailey, Dr. Katherine Boydell, Lyn Worsley & Eugenie Lee as we explore hope and resilience in the Arts Sector.
When everything feels uncertain, how do we maintain hope and resilience?
SAMAG explores our creative habits and resources to embrace.