Winner
Robyn Daw
Logan City Council
Robyn Daw (1958–2022) was a highly regarded artist, writer, curator, educator, arts administrator and cultural leader, who contributed greatly to the gallery, museum and arts sector in Australia over a career spanning more than 30 years.
As Logan City Council’s Creative Industries Program Leader for the past decade, Robyn led the team responsible for the services and programs delivered through Logan Art Gallery, Mayes Cottage house museum and the Living Museum of Logan. In her extensive role, she also capably led Public Art, Local Heritage specialist services, arts grants and Cultural Development.
An astute professional, Robyn’s career and achievements were built around a keen understanding of the value of arts and culture, as well as a passion for ongoing education and skills development. Throughout her long career, Robyn shared her knowledge and expertise with great verve and generosity, supporting the careers and aspirations of many artists and emerging arts professionals. She deeply understood the power of inclusiveness and keeping local people at the heart of all placemaking initiatives. Many Logan artists’ careers have blossomed through Robyn’s encouragement, generous guidance and inclusive approach. A thoughtful mentor, Robyn was always there to gently encourage her peers to dream bigger, achieve the impossible and be all they aspire to be.
As the Winner in this category, Robyn is recognised for her professional excellence and her vast contribution to the visual arts sector within Queensland and nationally. Under Robyn’s stewardship, Logan City Council has won many accolades for the outstanding work it has achieved in nurturing local artists and developing and promoting the region’s rich arts and culture. A natural leader, she made all those she worked with feel valued and appreciated.
Through her lifelong dedication to inclusiveness, open-hearted support towards recently arrived migrant artists, and a deep respect for our First Nations Peoples, Robyn’s legacy to the Queensland gallery and museum sector lives on through her work, achievements, connections and friendships.
Finalists
Tracy Cooper-Lavery
HOTA Home of the Arts
With a lifelong passion for visual arts, Tracy Cooper-Lavery has an extensive career in Australian public galleries. Currently the Director – Gallery & Visual Arts, HOTA, her previous positions include Director of Rockhampton Art Gallery, and Senior Curator at Bendigo Art Gallery, Victoria.
Significantly, Tracy led the development of the award-winning HOTA Gallery – Australia’s largest public art gallery located outside of a capital city – and was instrumental in the early planning and final development of Rockhampton Museum of Art. Her passion is to demonstrate the role and value of regional galleries and their collections, and their significance in telling our collective stories.
As a Finalist in this category, Tracy is recognised for her leadership and ‘big ideas’, as well as her innate ability to understand audience appetite and interests, and to develop customised creative programs in response.
Tracy has brought her international experience to HOTA and embraced the opportunity to partner with one of the world’s largest private collectors to present an exhibition of international contemporary art. This is a first of its kind for the organisation, positioning HOTA as an influencer in the arts sector in Australia.
Tracy adopts a lifelong approach to her learning and professional development. She keeps abreast of emerging industry trends through her Board roles, and her active membership with numerous industry organisations. Tracy has cultivated a strong and diverse peer network both nationally and internationally and, through her studies, work practices and ongoing learning, she has raised the level of professionalism at the galleries she has managed.
She is a strong advocate for effective governance, administration and dynamic leadership.
Rachel Arndt
Somerset Regional Council
Rachel commenced as Gallery Curator at The Condensery, Somerset Regional Council, in May 2021 during a time when the Gallery was in need of a new direction.
Over this relatively short period, Rachel has achieved significant goals, creating an audacious strategic plan, a new bold branding proposition, and a vibrant program with accompanying public programs that now book out with every exhibition.
The outstanding level of professionalism that Rachel has bought to The Condensery is evidenced by programs that succeed in educating new audiences; working with community; developing new partnerships; increasing community engagement; contributing to community wellbeing; and delivering outcomes for under-represented minorities in the region – specifically First Nations, youth and LGBTIQ+ peoples.
Rachel has introduced new models of visitor engagement, including a significant partnership with The University of Queensland Art Museum; and strategic partnerships with University of Southern Queensland School of Creative Arts and Griffith University Queensland College of the Arts for student placements, internships and research projects.
Rachel’s artistic program is focused on relevant local, national and global cultural conversations, showcasing excellence.
Responsive to community cultural aspirations, she has introduced new ideas and creative practice to the Somerset region, and makes a valued contribution to enriching the lives of the community and visitors.
Bianca Acimovic
formerly Rockhampton Museum of Art | Rockhampton Art Gallery
Bianca was the Gallery Director of Rockhampton Art Gallery | Rockhampton Museum of Art from 2016–2021. In this role, she made the Gallery a place of thoughtful exchange and networking, inspiring creativity. Her energy, passion and understanding brought people together and allowed many to flourish and find their strengths. Local artists report that she was a mentor, providing invaluable support to those who came to the Gallery seeking guidance or direction.
Bianca created a Gallery space that was active and vibrant, introducing programs and events for the community to enjoy. She transformed the Gallery into a meeting place where the community was encouraged to visit, shop and socialise and to engage with the extraordinary artworks on display.
An excellent networker, Bianca brought together artists, industry leaders, arts organisers, community and gallerists to build their own networks and exchange of ideas.
With a keen sense of inclusion and social justice, Bianca led a solid and active relationship between First Nations communities, Indigenous state government departments and the Gallery; recognising the role and power of art in Reconciliation.
Bianca invested considerable time and energy into realising the new Rockhampton Museum of Art. Almost six times the size of the old Gallery, the new Rockhampton Museum of Art was officially opened to the public in February 2022.
