Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft - Senior Strategist
Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft is a proud Bundjalung Woman and Artist, with over 40 years’ experience as a professional artist and businesswoman. Bronwyn founded her own company Designer Aboriginals in 1985.
Bronwyn has a Diploma of Visual Arts from Canberra School of Art, 2 master's degrees (Studio Practice) and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Sydney. Bronwyn’s Board experience is extensive, and she currently holds positions with the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), Commonwealth Bank Indigenous Advisory Council, and Australian Society of Authors (ASA). Bronwyn is also the Chair of the Not For Profit organisation ‘The Returning’.
Bronwyn is a Founding Member of Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative and has been the Co-operative’s volunteer senior strategist since 2009. Bronwyn was approached in 2009 to assist with saving Boomalli, which was in an incredibly dire situation. Boomalli was about to lose its home at Flood St, Leichhardt and was in significant debt. The fact that Boomalli is still going strong today, has a permanent space, and continues to provide support for hundreds of NSW Aboriginal artists is a testament to Bronwyn’s sheer determination, countless hours of volunteer time and expertise, and never giving up in the face of extreme adversity.
Bronwyn’s role as Senior Strategist includes overseeing the overall management of the Co-operative, curating and planning exhibitions and programs in consultation with Boomalli’s curator, Kyra Kum-Sing, writing grants and acquittals to assist the Co-operative in securing crucial annual and project funding, strategic and financial planning, and providing mentoring and support to Boomalli’s team of staff and member artists.
“It's not the bricks and mortar of the Boomalli building but the spirit within that continues our artistic connection to our people, our blood, our traditions”.
Kyra Kum-Sing - Curator
Kyra is from the Malera Bandjalan and Mitakoodi language groups. Kyra holds a Bachelor of Media from Southern Cross University.
She has previously worked within a number of key Aboriginal organisations, communities, and arts institutions.
As an artist her practice is diverse and her works have been exhibited at Boomalli, Lone Goat Gallery, and the Red Rattler Theatre. Kyra received a Fellowship with the National Museum Australia in 2019 and was a participant for the National Gallery Australia and Wesfarmers Indigenous Art Leadership Program in 2021.
Kyra has curated a number of acclaimed exhibitions such as Shell It (2021) at the La Perouse Museum and ‘Future is Here’ at Carriageworks, July 2021. Other curated exhibitions include Power (February 2021) at Blacktown Arts Centre, Dyarra Murrama Guwing - The Sun Setting Red (2020) at Gallery Lane Cove + Creative Studios and Boomalli’s 35th Anniversary exhibition “Duration”, alongside Founding Member Artist, Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft, in 2022/23.
Kyra also works on protecting Aboriginal sites and cultural heritage on Bundjalung Country and is a passionate advocate for Aboriginal rights and self-determination, and Aboriginal arts.
Laura Jones - Project Coordinator
Laura was born and raised on Gadigal Country. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Master of Museum Studies from the University of Sydney. Laura has worked with Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Co-operative since 2012.
Laura’s roles include providing support and advice to artists around licensing and copyright, managing major commission projects, grant writing, financial reporting and coordinating exhibitions and events.
“I am passionate and proud to work for an Aboriginal owned grass roots organisation. Everyone at Boomalli is incredibly supportive of each other and dedicated to providing a space that nurtures and encourages our artists to excel."
Stella Egan - Project Coordinator
Stella was born and raised on Gadigal Country. She has a Bachelor of International and Global Studies (Honours) from the University of Sydney.
Stella is passionate about art and has worked with a number of arts organisations including Carriageworks, Sydney Contemporary and the Sydney Opera House.
Stella has worked with Boomalli since 2017. Her role includes managing major commission projects and activations, coordinating exhibitions and events, marketing and media promotion and providing support and advice to artists around licensing, copyright, and best practice in the arts.
"I feel so lucky to be a part of Boomalli and to contribute to the important work that this organisation does. I have met so many incredible artists, staff and volunteers during my time here and I am inspired every day by the energy, determination and love they put into Boomalli."
Nioka Lowe-Brennan - Gallery Assistant
Nioka Lowe-Brennan grew up on Wiradjuri and Gadigal land, and is a proud Dunghutti, Birripi and Gamilaroy woman. Nioka started working with Boomalli in 2021 and soon after also became an artist member. Her role at Boomalli includes retail support and artwork sales, exhibition install, artwork cataloguing and collection care, and the organising educational tours and workshops.
“I love presenting tours and educating visitors who come to Boomalli as interest in our cultural and contemporary Aboriginal art continues to grow. Being a part of Boomalli has been an extraordinary experience so far, I have gained many friends as well as Aunties and Uncles in our workers, volunteers, and members”.
Photography by Sharon Hickey.