THE BOARD & Key Personnel
SWELL CONNECTS PEOPLE, ART AND PLACE.
THE SWELL BOARD
LINCOLN WILLIAMS
Lincoln Williams brings over two decades of professional experience within the photography, film and television industry. After Lincoln graduated in film and television he worked on the set of major television series and US feature films shot in Queensland, including Pitch Black, Street Fighter, Medivac and Cybergirl… all the way back to Paradise Beach in 1991. Concurrent to his work in drama, Lincoln worked for all of the major television networks on programs such as Gladiators, the Big Day Out, V8 Supercars, NRL, Super 15 Rugby Union, and a host of other sporting broadcasts including golf, surf lifesaving and swimming to mention a few. Lincoln has now channelled those skills into over a 1,000 projects and as Creative Director of Fotomedia, he has won Gold through the Australian Cinematography Society.
GLENN BARRY
Glenn Barry has connections with the Gamilaraay - the First Nation peoples of Northern NSW. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Art and Bachelor of Digital Media with Honours. Growing up on the Gold Coast, Glenn is proud to be recognised as someone who contributes to the local and national communities. He is well-known and respected across the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services. I have established networks across the Gold Coast.
Competent in providing leadership and administration, Glenn has over 10 years’ experience in the secondary and tertiary sector (TAFE and University) as well as nearly 20 years’ experience as an artist and 15 years as a Chef/Hospitality. His focus has been in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services across the specialised educational arena. He is aware of wide-ranging circumstances that affect, challenge and also benefit First Nation people and looks to his elders for advice in complex situations.
His passions include cultural learning through tactile connections. He has had connections and appointments in places including Rural QLD: Torres Straits, Bamaga and NSW: Moree, as well as across remote Indonesia, Japan, USA and the Pacific Islands. He is a respected community member of the Murri Court for 7 years (QLD Magistrates) system and also as a Griffith University Council of Elders and Deputy Chair.
Glenn is passionate about the development and delivery of Cultural Awareness programs that allow the integration of new customs, taking into account the barriers, as a way of moving forward. His methodology incorporates process, perspective and narratives as research that enquires into notions of self-description and self-determination.
JAYME CUTTRISS
As CEO of National Trust in Queensland, I have the privilege of leading the amazing team of over 1000 employees, volunteers, and training participants. I have been with National Trust for 6 years but was appointed to the role of CEO 3 years ago after a long career in marketing and sales. National Trust has 15 properties across the State from Currumbin to Cooktown with the largest and most iconic is Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary & Hospital. We are a not-for-profit environmental charity committed to conserving and advancing our natural and cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy. I am really motivated by our team and their passion to protect wildlife strength and resilience. They drive me to do more, to uncover opportunities and to ensure everything we possibly can to protect wildlife.
As a local Currumbin resident, I am passionate about our community and promotion of the rich natural assets we have in Southern Gold Coast. I am an advocate for ecotourism experience as a way to engage people to care for the environment. I am delighted to be formerly part of the SWELL Sculpture Festival family after a long-standing relationship with SWELL and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. We proudly have an Art trail through the Sanctuary in partnership with artists that have exhibited in previous SWELL Sculpture Festivals. I am excited to see art brought to life in a way that is inclusive and accessible for all people.
AMANDA SPOONER
The Southern Gold Coast has been my home, my working environment and playground for the last 22 years. I’m passionate about where I live and nurturing local business, community and the arts in this beautiful space we call home!
I am the Event Manager at The Valley Estate which is nestled in the Currumbin Valley. I watched the conceptual vision and the build of The Valley Estate to the establishment it is today and could not be prouder of the success to date and the team I work with daily.
I have worked on large scale projects in public spaces as a Project Manager, Operations Manager, Producer of Events including SWELL Sculpture Festival, Bleach Festival, Cooly Rock’s On, Kirra Kite Festival, Tugun Lights Up, Coolangatta Christmas Carols and Gold Coast Film Festival.
SWELL has been a big part of my working life for 20 years. I have had the privilege to work along side Natasha for many different roles within the festival over the years as Operations, Logistics and Producer. I have made everlasting friendships from past and present within the SWELL family, creating a platform for artists to communicate their inner expression via their artform as a response to our emotions.
SWELL has no boundaries regarding age, social demographic or disabilities, who come to enjoy and discover a world of creation on the foreshore of Currumbin. Artists from far, wide and near produce work to bring a larger-than-life scale of art to the city of the Gold Coast to be a part of this fabric for 20 years and the future is a privilege.
JUNE CREMIN
I am an advocate for building sustainable community relationships, and my work over the past decade has centered on fostering inclusivity, empowering individuals, and creating a shared sense of belonging within our community.
I’ve dedicated myself to facilitating meaningful engagement between diverse groups, encouraging active community participation, dialogue, and collaboration.
My experience spans various sectors, from working with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Aged Care, to working with The International Red Cross on initiatives addressing social isolation and belonging.
It also includes working with local council across projects to encourage community participation in public discussions to my current work in the veteran community with a team of Advocates who support and connect ex-service men and women to Advocacy services and social connection programs.
I have a passion for the intersection of community development and the arts. I’ve seen firsthand how arts-based engagement can transform dialogue, offering communities a unique platform to share their experiences, listen with empathy, and manage conflict in constructive ways.
As a long-time SWELL Sculpture Festival volunteer, I’m excited to now contribute as a board member, continuing to champion connection through creativity.
LISA KETJEN
Lisa Ketjen is the Corporate Partnerships Manager of the Usher Group, a proudly Australian family-owned company located on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
Renowned for her ability to build powerful partnerships across all levels of business. Lisa also champions meaningful community impact, and is a tireless advocate for giving back.
Lisa holds board positions at the Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce, Bond University Women’s Network, is also a Sydney Build Women in Construction Ambassador & Women in Construction Mental Health Ambassador as well as a Future Lady Tradies Ambassador.
Lisa is passionate about her Family and supporting the community across work with various Charities and Not for Profits.
SUSI MUDDIMAN OAM
Susi has enjoyed a successful career in the arts sector and has over 25 years’ experience as a Director of leading regional galleries, including Grafton Regional Gallery, Wagga Wagga Regional Gallery, Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre, and more recently, HOTA Gallery, Home of the Arts in Surfers Paradise.
Her role as Director has included her working across a wide range of visual arts activities, including curatorial work, capital development, policy development and change management. Susi is driven to increase professional recognition of galleries and artists by securing financial sustainability through grants, philanthropy, professional presentation of exhibitions, publications and programs, capital development and facility management.
Susi completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland and a Diploma in Australian Studies, specialising in Australian Art.
Susi has been a member of the NSW State Government’s Visual Arts Board, and has served on the Board of Museums & Galleries NSW, and was President of the Regional Galleries Association of NSW and was a member of the national Committee of the Print Council of Australia Inc. She has contributed to many committees, judging panels and advisory roles, and curated numerous exhibitions, many of which have enjoyed national tours, including, Surface Tension: the art of Euan Macleod 1999-2009, The Glass: Michael Zavros, and Private Assembly: a contemporary collection from Hong Kong.
Susi’s role at Tweed Regional Gallery included the development of the prestigious Margaret Olley Art Centre as a purpose-built extension to the Gallery. The re-creation of Margaret Olley’s Paddington home studio was an extraordinary project for the Gallery, and the result of an initial gift of $1million from the Margaret Olley Art Trust. The Centre has proven to be a tremendous success, exceeding all expectations in terms of attendances, economic and cultural development for the region and the arts industry in NSW.
Susi was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours List 2015. The citation for the honour was 'for service to the museums and galleries of New South Wales'.
Susi loves working with artists and creatives, and is partial to champagne.
DEAN GOULD
Living on the Gold Coast for more than 20 years, Dean's involvement with the City has included roles such as Editor of the Gold Coast Bulletin, Chair of the Gold Coast Music Advisory Group, board member of Study Gold Coast, board member Destination Gold Coast, Chief Marketing Officer with Southern Cross University, Director of Marketing and Communications at Griffith University and Executive Director of Strategy at Destination Gold Coast. He is also a life member of Broadbeach United Soccer Club and a foundation member of the Gold Coast Titans.
THE CREATIVES
NATASHA EDWARDS
As Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the iconic SWELL Sculpture Festival, Natasha brings a wealth of artistic and business knowledge to the public art sector. In addition to curating and overseeing 21 years of SWELL, Natasha’s recent projects include work as curator of the ANZAC Day 100 Year centenary Poppies Project, curator of the Brisbane Airport Corporation ‘Art with Altitude’ exhibition and public art programming for the Gold Coast Rapid Transport Light Rail bid, Palm Beach Parklands, Surfers Paradise Alliance and installations for the Woodford Folk Festival. Awarded the City of Gold Coast 2013 Australia Day Cultural Achievement Award and an honorary life member of the Sculptors Society Gold Coast, Natasha is a dedicated and a passionate supporter of sculpture in public spaces, connecting people, art and place.
DEE STEINFORT
Dee’s focus is on facilitating a connection between people, art, culture and business. Holding a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting and having worked in the arts and culture industry for years on many projects, we welcome Dee as Executive Director of SWELL Sculpture Festival. Dee’s passion for and appreciation of art combined with extensive accounts and finance work in both private and not for profit companies has led Dee to where she is today. Being an integral part of the SWELL Team for ten years with roles ranging from Volunteer Manager, Accounts Manager, Creative Producer, and Executive Director since 2018, Dee brings with her, the skill of high-level people management, operational and business nous.
CURATORIAL PANEL
Through a high-level curatorial approach SWELL will host new and exciting recognised national and international artists to attract substantial audience engagement and artistic inspiration.
Swell will reshape the thinking around our environs and question the relationship with public space. Through stimulating and stirring visuals, swell will create viewer interactions that are dynamic in terms of art, identity, history and connection to place.
SWELL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL CURATORIAL POLICY - SWELL allows the artist full freedom of expression for all forms of sculpture. Sculptors must take into consideration the challenges of building for, and installing a sculpture in a natural landscape, and consider the safety and regulations of the beach and parklands. We encourage large art forms or artworks that have a large footprint simply because the beach is a vast open space and lends itself to sculptures that are durable and built for permanent installation.
- 2024 CURATORIAL PANEL
- 2023 CURATORIAL PANEL
- 2022 CURATORIAL PANEL
- 2021 CURATORIAL PANEL
- 2020 CURATORIAL PANEL
- 2019 CURATORIAL PANEL
- 2018 CURATORIAL PANEL
- 2017 CURATORIAL PANEL
- 2016 CURATORIAL PANEL
- 2015 CURATORIAL PANEL
Adam Lewczuk
Program Lead - Partnerships and Investment, Arts and Culture - City of Gold Coast
Alison Kubler
Director and Curator at Renshaw & Kubler
Editor of Vault New Art & Culture Magazine
Dr Laini Burton
Senior Lecturer - Deputy Director, Learning and Teaching at Queensland College of Art and Design, Griffith University
Natasha Edwards
SWELL Sculpture Festival
Lead Curator and Co-Founder
Troy Casey
Co-Founder and Director of Blaklash Creative
Adrian Carter, Architect MAA, PhD
Abedian School of Architecture, Bond University, Queensland.
Professor of Architecture
Natasha Edwards
SWELL Sculpture Festival
Lead Curator and Co-Founder
Anita Holtsclaw PhD
Senior Arts & Culture Project Officer at City of Gold Coast
Philip Spelman
Artist
Adrian Carter, Architect MAA, PhD
Abedian School of Architecture, Bond University, Queensland.
Professor of Architecture
Natasha Edwards
SWELL Sculpture Festival
Lead Curator and Co-Founder
Sam Creyton
Senior Curator HOTA Gallery, Home of the Arts
Elishia Whitchurch
Principal of Art & Design at UAP
Jenni Baxter
Independent Curator, Designer & Public Art Project Manager
Adrian Carter, Architect MAA, PhD
Abedian School of Architecture, Bond University, Queensland.
Professor of Architecture
Natasha Edwards
SWELL Sculpture Festival
Lead Curator and Co-Founder
Rebecca Ross MFA
Sessional Academic Art & Design, Queensland College of Art, Griffith University. Director The Walls Artspace, Miami, Queensland.
Glenn Barry BFA & BD (H)
TAFE Queensland
Indigenous Elder. Artist. Indigenous Liaison & Student Support Officer. Artistic Director, Essence Art. Director, SWELL Sculpture Festival.
Dr Bianca Beetson
Griffith University
Contemporary Indigenous Australian Art Convenor
Natasha Edwards
SWELL Sculpture Festival
Lead Curator and Co Founder
Terri Lew
19Karen
Gallery Director
Peta Rake
University of Queensland
Senior Curator
Dr Chris Bennie
Freelance Artist
Lecturer in Fine Art at Griffith University Queensland College of Art
Professor Dr Adrian Carter
Architect MAA, PhD,Head / Professor of Architecture/ Abedian School of Architecture
Faculty of Society and Design BOND UNIVERSITY
Susi Muddiman OAM
Art Gallery Director Community and Cultural Services
Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre NSW
Christopher Trotter
Full time practicing artist
Creating public works for Government , Councils , Universities and Developers
Built Environment Queensland University of Technology
Natasha Edwards
Co-Founder + Artistic Director/ SWELL Sculpture Festival
John Stafford
Director / Creative Move
Jenni Baxter
Senior Arts and Culture Project Officer - Public Art, City of Gold Coast
Professor Adrian Carter
Abedian School of Architecture, Bond University
Ruth Della
Creative Director SWELL
Natasha Edwards
Curator SWELL
Isla Wilson
Curator, Dust Temple Gallery
Tracy Cooper-Lavery
Gallery Director, Gold Coast Art Gallery
Dr Chris Bennie
Artist & Lecturer Griffith University Queensland College of Art
Ruth Della
Creative Director, SWELL Sculpture Festival
Natasha Edwards
Director and Curator, SWELL Sculpture Festival
John Stafford
Director, Creative Move
Professor Derrick Cherrie
Director, Queensland College of Art
Ruth Della
Director, SWELL Sculpture Festival
Natasha Edwards
Director and Curator, SWELL Sculpture Festival
Simone Oriti
Curator | Creative Strategies, Urban Art Projects
Dr Daniel Templeman
Senior Public Art Officer, Brisbane City Council
Ruth Della
Director and Creative Producer, SWELL Sculpture Festival
Natasha Edwards
Director and Curator. SWELL Sculpture Festival
Dev Lengjel
Arts Curator
Professor Philip Follent
Matthew Tobin
Director, Urban Art Projects