Matthew Lucas (Chair) is a place-making and retail consultant specialising in design, interiors, fashion and luxury. Matthew launched the iconic Australian brand Dinosaur Designs into the New York market and has gone on to work in the luxury retail sector with brands such as Bang & Olufsen, Loewe, Rolex, Graff and Patek Philippe. Matthew's work sees him collaborating with developers on the cultural mix of projects; and with media organisations, creative directors, national cultural institutions, retailers and the design community to develop strategic partnerships and further business opportunities. Matthew has lived and worked in London, Madrid, New York, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.
Abby Seymour is an artist with an established Australian jewellery practice. With over a decade in the craft and retail industry, her independent brand has been defined by her individuality and sustainability. She is a leader in championing commercially viable avenues to sustain contemporary craft practices.
Her knowledge, experience and considered approach delivers value and strength through multi-channeled retail, personalised commissioned services, countrywide representation and community workshop programs. Her high quality pieces are stocked in art galleries and museum stores around Australia, online and in her sunlit Melbourne studio. Abby has an Art History degree (UM), BFA (RMIT) BA Printmaking (RMIT) and MFA (RMIT). Formerly a lecturer in art and design at RMIT and now also a private teacher who facilitates workshop programs, mentoring pathways for emerging makers and is actively engaged in the crafts community.
Fiona Mason is an experienced marketer and strategist whose most recent role was GM, Marketing, Communications & Fundraising at Dementia Australia after serving as a Board Director at the organisation for a period of five years. Fiona’s strategic planning and marketing expertise will support Craft in creating better customer driven strategies that reflect the purpose and values of the organisation as well as driving positive financial outcomes. A driving passion for the creative world ensures Fiona is an avid follower of the arts and craft scene. Currently, Fiona is Chair of the Blue-Sky Foundation supporting young adults challenged by their mental health.
Rebecca Taube is Deputy General Counsel and Associate Director of Legal Services at RMIT University in Melbourne. Rebecca has extensive experience in intellectual property, commercial law and corporate governance, having worked in private practice and in-house since 2004. Her stakeholder portfolios include RMIT Online, Compliance and Risk, Education, and the Policy, Strategy and Impact teams. She guest lectures on intellectual property and business structures for students and entrepreneurs at RMIT University. Rebecca's career has worked with clients across international and domestic retail brands, aspirational and luxury ranges. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Communications) and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland, and a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne. Rebecca has a deep respect and admiration for the maker community of Victoria.
Jenna Lee is a Gulumerridjin (Larrakia), Wardaman and KarraJarri Saltwater woman with mixed Japanese, Chinese, Filipino and Anglo Australia ancestry. Using art to explore her many overlapping identities, Lee works across sculpture, installation, body adornment. With a practice focused on materiality and ancestral material culture, Lee works with notions of the archive and histories of colonial collecting. Lee was honoured to be the recipient of the Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award at the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Award (NATSIAA) and the Australia Council's Dreaming Award. She has been a finalist in national awards, including the prestigious John Fries Award for emerging and early career artists and the KWM Contemporary First Nations Art Award. Lee is represented by MARS Gallery in Naarm (Melbourne, Australia).
Shaun Dennison is an experienced company director in the public and private sector, with a strong financial background and a particular interest in Indigenous art. Shaun is a Founding Director of Farrierswier, a specialist multidisciplinary corporate and project advisory group. He has a finance and accounting background, and experience in corporate advisory and specialist project management roles focusing on energy sector reform and privatisation. His previous experience with Indigenous art includes positions as Head of Aboriginal Art at Christie’s, specialist in contemporary Indigenous Australian art for Mossgreen Auctions, and he has operated his own secondary Indigenous art sales firm.
Shaun has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Western Australia and is a Graduate Member of the AICD.
Hilary Scott is Deputy General Counsel at GFG Alliance. Hilary has extensive legal experience in commercial law, corporate governance, business strategy, restructuring and transformation. She has worked as an inhouse counsel since 2003 predominantly in manufacturing businesses. She has had a career in private companies operating in Australia and overseas with a focus on FMCG and industrial manufacturing. She has led large complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Hilary has been a member of the Melbourne Theatre Company Foundation Board since January 2016 and has focussed on philanthropy. She strongly supports the arts and values a diversity of creative works. She has a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tasmania and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Paula Toal is Head of Cultural & Public Engagement at RMIT University. Paula is an experienced culture & tourism executive with expertise in strategy, innovation, business development, marketing and brand strategy, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. She has developed partnerships with commercial entities, industry bodies and government designed to increase industry engagement, inspire innovative problem solving around major societal challenges or issues and drive investment into Victoria’s leading academic and industry research centres. Paula has previously held roles as Head of Commercial Operations for Museums Victoria and Business, Finance and Sustainability Manager for Heide Museum of Modern Art where she led the development of strategies within these organisations variously aimed to develop innovative new ways to grow revenues, build profile and drive economic contribution to Victoria.