Emma Bennison – Executive Officer
Emma Bennison joined Access Arts in 2004 as a Membership Services Officer. Emma is a passionate advocate for artists experiencing disability and disadvantage. Currently the Executive Officer at Access Arts Queensland, Emma combines her experience as a musician and performer with her experience of disability to lead an organisation whose vision is that all Queenslanders are free to participate, create and work in the arts. Emma is also a professional singer/songwriter and has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Queensland. She performs with her husband in a piano/vocal duo and has released a CD containing original compositions and covers. Emma is also a composer, arranger and private vocal teacher. She is current Chair of Arts Access Australia, the national peak body for arts and disability.
Angela Jaeschke – General Manager
Angela started at Access Arts in mid-2004 as a student placement in Social Science (Human Services) at QUT.After working in various roles in the organisation, as General Manager, Angela now coordinates the quality systems, volunteer and training programs.With a background in music, Angela currently plays double bass in the Brisbane Philharmonic Orchestra, and other community orchestras in Brisbane.
Nick Reilly – IT Administrator
Nick Reilly is the IT Administrator , responsible for building and maintaining all things IT at Access Arts. Nick came to Access Arts in 2002 as a volunteer, and became a staff member in 2004, first as Communications Officer, later graduating to IT Administrator. In this time, Nick has built new computers and upgraded the office server putting Access Arts on a par with current IT standards. Nick’s skills in upgrading computers have become an important service that we can extend to members in Brisbane and regional communities in various ways.
Nick studied Korean, Russian and French at University, which has been important for international organisations visiting Access Arts. Nick has interests in music, was a drummer in a number of bands, and is currently studying for his Grade 5 Piano exam.
Jasmin Jacobson – Visual Arts Coordinator
Jasmin Jacobson has a background in Visual Arts and Education. After completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts, Jasmin worked in the TAFE system in Visual Arts and Disability programs for several years, before completing a Post Graduate degree in Education. She then taught and coordinated visual art programs in schools. As an artist herself, Jasmin has varied experience in teaching, curatorial work and community arts projects. Jasmin joined Access Arts in 2006 as the Visual Arts Coordinator. This role involves facilitating the Brisbane Outsider Artists’ Studio, curating exhibitions and coordinating a range of visual arts projects at Access Arts. The Brisbane Outsider Artists’ Studio is a successful program designed to support emerging artists experiencing a disability in developing their visual arts skills to a professional level. Jasmin values working with an organisation that supports people experiencing disabilities.
Joelene Scot- Community Arts Administrator
Joelene Scot began at Access Arts in 2010 as a university student placement, and became the Community Arts Administrator in July of the same year. She completed her Bachelor of Creative Industries at QUT in November of 2010, majoring in Dance, with a minor in Performance Events & Festivals.
Joelene has had a wide range of experience in the performance and administration of dance, drama and visual arts, and is passionate about facilitating arts experiences for family, friends, and the members of Access Arts. She believes that people can benefit significantly from participating in the arts, and is excited to have the opportunity to be involved in this practical way.
Zane Trow – Professional Development Coordinator
Zane is a composer, live artist and animateur – an inter-disciplinary arts worker with over 30 years experience in bridging community arts and contemporary cultural development. Recent work includes the devising and curatorial management of “Once Only” and “Exist” – international live art exchange events in 07 and 08, National Mentorship Program Coordinator for Youth Arts Qld, Artistic Advisor for Metro Arts and Chair of the Metro Arts Advisory Group.
Zane was formerly Associate Professor – Performance Studies QUT – and is currently Chair of Multimedia Arts Asia Pacific. Previous experience includes: Artistic Director of the South Bank Corporation; Chairman of Youth Arts Qld; Artistic Director of the Brisbane Powerhouse Centre for the Live Arts; Artistic Director of The Performance Space in Redfern; Artistic Director of the Next Wave Festival Inc in Melbourne; Centre Director of the Footscray Community Arts Centre in Melbourne and Director of the Common Stock Theatre Company in London.
Jan Spinks – Finance Officer
Jan Spinks came to Access Arts looking for a new challenge, sharing the Finance Officer role for one day a week in 2004 and after learning the ropes began working two days a week in 2005.
Jan brings the experience gained in a number of diverse and interesting jobs to Access Arts, having worked as the accounts person in a suburban hardware shop, sold showbags at the capital city Royal Shows and many of the country shows around South East Queensland and also as a teacher.
In the future Jan is looking forward to joining the grey nomads and travelling around Australia at a leisurely pace, as well as having lots of fun with her grandchildren.
Genevieve Hinds – Admin Officer
Genevieve Hinds is the Admin Officer for Access Arts. Genevieve has a Bachelor of Visual Arts with Honours from The University of Sydney and is an avid painter/sculptor.
She has recently moved from Sydney to the beautiful rainforest of Mount Nebo to pursue her passion for art and wildlife.
Genevieve Worked in the zoo industry for many years and has a passion for educating the general public on native Australian wildlife.
Genevieve made the switch back to the arts industry at the beginning of 2011 when she took a position as the Visitor Services Officer for the Campbelltown Arts Centre in South Western Sydney. This experience reaffirmed her belief in the power of art to transcend boundaries and bring people together.
Genevieve believes that art can be an emotional, deeply personal and pure form of communication; the act of creation is profoundly cathartic and deeply therapeutic.
