Creative Toolbox: Money, Money, Money!

Andrew studied music (voice & conducting) at the University of East Anglia and was twice awarded the Norwich and Peterborough Scholarship, enabling him to continue vocal studies with John Aplin (MA). He was subsequently awarded a prestigious Japanese Government (Monbusho) Scholarship, which allowed him to pursue postgraduate solo vocal studies at the Tokyo National University of Music and Fine Arts.

Fluent in Japanese, His TV presenting profile includes Weekend Japanology on NHK to over 80 countries world-wide, and Sky TV. A versatile session singer and narrator, he has extensive voice over, narration and studio credits in Japan and Australia including, featured voice in McDonald’s ‘I’m Lovin It and Telstra campaigns to name a few, in addition to background vocals for George Benson with SSO/TSO, Usher and collaborative performances with Paul Mac, Sheila E & Chaka Khan. He can also be heard on Audible as the narrator for ‘Mind What You Think’ by Dr Karen Graham

His solo vocal repertoire ranges from Dowland 16th century lute song, to Duke Ellington, gospel, spirituals, jazz and contemporary song books in solo recitals from Kings College Cambridge, Imperial Hotel, Tokyo and City Recital Hall, Angel Place. As a conductor/musical director/vocal arranger he has worked with London Chamber Orchestra, The Café of The Gate of Salvation Gospel Choir, Spike Lee Tribute at the Art Gallery of NSW (ViVid Festival) and  a handpicked diverse chamber voice ensemble for his sold out, genre spanning Bach In Colour project (Sydney Festival-ACO Nielsen).

A sought-after host & MC, Andrew has been guest host for ABC Classic FM’s Night Music, SSO’s pre-concert talks at Sydney Opera House as well the Australian Chamber Orchestra in Sydney and on tour. He co-produced City Recital Hall’s 2x20 Late night Concert series with Bev Kennedy and was the host for the popular late night Thirsty Thursday cabaret at Darlinghurst Theatre Co  

Gary works at the intersection of arts, culture and community. His practice spans storytelling, CACD, writing and performance. Gary has received a number of local government grants to deliver storytelling and performance based events. He will speak to his experiences navigating grants as an independent arts worker and curator. Gary s currently a curator at the Powerhouse Museum and completed a two-year writer-in-residence at the Sydney Theatre Company in 2023-25.

Whilst studying a BA in Film and Screen Media at Griffith Film School, Isabel became the first student to have two films selected to represent the university at Cannes Film Festival. Since that time, she's produced multiple feature films including LONG STORY SHORT, JUNE AGAIN and soon to be released LUNACY - as well as honing her problem-solving skills on more than 100 TV Commercials.

Jake Shavikin (he/him) has spent over a decade helping arts organisations raise the money they need to do meaningful work. Currently Head of Development at Griffin Theatre Company in Kings Cross, he has spent the past four years leading a capital campaign to redevelop the Stables Theatre — one of the most ambitious fundraising efforts in Sydney's theatre sector. His work spans the full spectrum of philanthropic practice: major gifts, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and the kind of long-term donor stewardship that keeps organisations financially resilient. Before Griffin, Jake held senior fundraising roles at Opera Australia, where he managed a cross-functional development team across philanthropy and corporate partnerships, and Queensland Ballet before that. In a former life, he was a cross-disciplinary independent producer in Brisbane. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Legs on the Wall, Australia’s leading physical theatre company, and was selected as an Industry Advisor for Creative Australia's Plus1 matched funding round in 2025, assessing 167 applications for fundraising support across the arts sector. He is a strong believer in data-driven, personalised donor, partner and funder engagement — and in philanthropy as a genuine tool for building the kind of cultural life a city deserves!

Malaika’s music is a powerful exploration of Black love, self-acceptance, grief, and the complex journey of being loved, and sometimes lost. Rooted in soul and folk, their songs create a healing space, carrying messages of kindness, reflection, and emotional honesty.

In 2023, Malaika released their debut album Yasmin to widespread acclaim, with the album launch selling out and the record resonating deeply with audiences across Australia and beyond. In 2025, they embarked on a sold-out national Australian tour, performing to full rooms and community-centred audiences in Naarm, Ngunnawal, Eora, and beyond, marking a significant milestone in their live career.

In 2025, Malaika opened for acclaimed international artist Nadia Reid, alongside previous support slots for Ben Lee, Alex the Astronaut, and Alter Boy. Known for their immersive live shows, blending guitar, looping, rich vocal harmonies, and storytelling, Malaika has continued to build a reputation for performances that feel intimate, expansive, and deeply connective.

Alongside their solo work, Malaika is a respected cultural organiser and event producer, consistently centring QTBIPOC voices and community care in both their music and the spaces they help create.

Michelle Heldon (she/her) is an artist, creative producer and arts therapist living and working on Dharawal Country, Wollongong. She is the founder of Kindling, a creative practice offering workshops and experiences grounded in care, connection, creativity and nature.

With over 20 years’ experience across the arts, community and wellbeing sectors, Michelle works across painting, installation, textiles and socially engaged practice. Her work explores the relationship between people, place and more-than-human ecosystems, often drawing from quiet moments in nature as spaces for reflection and restoration.

Michelle is the Art and Dementia Producer at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and a Discovery Ranger with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, delivering intergenerational, access-led and nature-based programs for people living with dementia and diverse access needs. She has contributed to published research exploring the impact of arts engagement on wellbeing and connection.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) from the National Art School and has completed artist residencies in Australia and overseas.

Thom Smyth is a Sydney-based creative producer and cultural programmer working across contemporary performance, queer culture and community-embedded practice. In 2026, he is launching Superposition Festival, a new arts and culture festival conceived for the Blue Mountains. He is the founder of Unfunded Empathy and the co-creator of Queer PowerPoint, which has been presented across the region including RISING, Taipei Pride, Sydney Festival, Festival of Live Art Auckland and Darwin Festival. As Producer at Performing Lines, he produces work with Bundjulung/Ngapuhi choreographer Amrita Hepi , queer icon Betty Grumble, dj & composer Paul Mac & playwright Antoinette Barbouttis. His producing work is characterised by a commitment to risk-taking, artist development and care, and the kind of sustained relational and community building  commitment required to create events with lasting impact.