Management Committee

Deborah Katona - Chair

 

Jocelyn Tribe - Vice-chair

Jocelyn is a Darwin based printmaker with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Victorian College of the Arts. She has extensive experience in cross-cultural art projects, from urban to remote communities and is committed to the growth of the arts sector in the Northern Territory. She has worked across Indigenous, refugee, mental health and non-Indigenous contexts expanding on community development from a creative and collaborative perspective. She encourages the practice of art to be invitational and trauma-informed while being dedicated to creating spaces that are accessible, inclusive and person-centered.

She believes that mindfulness and heartfulness actions such as art making have a profound potential for both personal and interpersonal healing. Jocelyn is honoured to have the opportunity to be a Management Committee member and is also humbled to have been nominated by the members of Tactile Arts to join in the development of such an important space that holds many possibilities for social change.

 

Dawn Beasley - Secretary

I have over 20 years’ experience as an artist, an arts educator and an arts administrator working in medium to large organisations internationally and here in Darwin. These roles have equipped me with experience in all aspects of leadership, management and governance including but not limited to:

  • Strategic planning

  • Finances, resource management

  • Staff professional development

  • Event management

  • Gallery and studio management

  • The equipping and maintaining of studios and assets

  • Policy and practice documentation

  • Compliance to constitutions, company and government policies

More importantly, I have been an active member of Tactile Arts for over 6 years. I am a current studio hirer and have relevant experience as a craft fair stall holder, a shop volunteer, an exhibitor, an artist-in-residence and I am just about teach the first of several workshops. As such I have experienced all the different aspects of the organisation and feel well placed to represent members’ interests. I understand the need for transparency and excellent communication between the committee and the members that it represents. I believe firmly in the value of Tactile Arts as a members’ association promoting and working for the benefit of local artists and craftspeople.As a practicing artist I also have a good understanding of the grant application process having successfully gained a Churchill fellowship for Excellence in the Visual Arts, and a grant from the Australian Council for the Arts.

 

Annie Gastin - Management Committee Member

Professional experience:Qualified Secondary Arts and Crafts teacher – Melbourne State College/University Taught primarily ‘disadvantaged’ teenagers – Collingwood Victoria 10 yearsSinger - rock, jazz and blues Melbourne and NT over 45 yearsAboriginal Studies tutor Alice Springs 1 yearActor 5+ yearsABC Broadcaster 14 yearsESL volunteer teaching casual

And now I’m a hobby ceramicist, after taking a course at TA and never looking back!

Been a member of Tactile Arts for around 6/7 years.

In that time a very regular user of the ceramics studio.

Volunteering - using my media experience and contacts to promote TA, TA Fairs, Exhibitions and various individual artists

- writing press releases for events and artists
- helping with website copy (occasionally)
- parliament house shop (casually)
- general helping out with exhibitions/clean-ups etc.

Spending around 4 out of 5 days per week ‘pottering’ around TA, I get to meet and befriend a lot of members, I get a pretty good look at how the place works and areas where I think we might be able to improve. Thought I’d put my hat in the ring after all these years.

Looks like there might be quite a few good people interested in being a board member, but I’m happy to give my services if you think I can provide another perspective that may be beneficial.

 

Staff

 

Tessa Duke - General Manager

Tess has more than 16 years’ experience working in the arts as an artist, business owner and arts administrator.

Following completion of her training in traditional stained glass, Tess went on to specialise in the field of conservation, working in ecclesiastic and public buildings throughout Melbourne, VIC until 2015.

During this time Tess developed her own creative business and was extensively involved in the establishment of a not-for-profit association formed to promote contemporary architectural glass and to provide support to emerging artists working in this field.

After relocating to Darwin in 2016 Tess joined Tactile Arts as Events Coordinator where she applied her skills in exhibitions, events, marketing and communications to the role.

She continued her association with the organisation as Vice-chair of the Management Committee while working at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, returning to take up the position of General Manager in 2019.

Tess has brought valuable knowledge of operations to the leadership role, and she continues to provide a steadying influence on the organisation due to a strong emphasis on relationship development and a passion for supporting creatives working in the production of contemporary art and craft.

 

Kerri Meehan - Events & Development Coordinator

Kerri has over 10 years of work experience in the creative industries, including over 4 years in the not for profit sector, organising exhibitions, arts administration and artist development.  Kerri has a BA Hons in Fine Art, MA in Art & Politics and a Level 3 City & Guilds Award in Adult Education & Training. Before moving to Australia, Kerri was a lecturer in London teaching multiple courses in Visual Culture & Critical theory.  More recently, Kerri spent almost 4 years working as Studio Coordinator for Injalak Arts in Gunbalanya, assisting artist members with their professional development as well as being responsible for the screen printing workshop, social media, exhibitions and administration of the art centre. 

  

Rebecca Clarke - Studio & Administration Officer

Bec loves living the tropical lifestyle and being a part of Darwin’s vibrant and diverse community. With a background in the public service, contributing to the community through meaningful work has always been a priority. She is a university qualified graphic designer, a passionate communicator and is fascinated by the art of visual storytelling. She has a curious mind and a love of learning, and is always keen to meet new people and grow through new experiences.