STAFF
Vanessa Hyde
CEO
View Vanessa's bio
Vanessa is an Arts Manager and Creative Producer with extensive experience working in arts and cultural environments and has an ongoing commitment to community cultural development, artistic practice and collaboration. She has a proven track record of producing high quality work and managing organisations, artists and projects to achieve extraordinary outcomes. With a strong commitment to community empowerment through the arts and a deep believer in the power of story, Vanessa is a skilled, passionate and professional leader in the arts and community development sector in Sydney.
Huy Nguyen
Communications & Social Media Officer
View Huy's bio
Huy is a designer with a background in architecture, visual marketing. Since the completion of his Architecture Degree at UNSW in 2016, Huy has been working as a photographer (specialising in event, product, architectural and interior photography) and graphic designer for several companies including CuriousWorks.
Huy combines knowledge from his architecture degree with a passion for cinema and minimalism and to forge a distinctive aesthetic that is bold yet subtle and contemplative.
While working on CuriousWorks’ communications and social media channels, Huy is undertaking a postgraduate degree in Design at UNSW Arts and Design, specialising in graphic design and branding to further his skills as a visual communicator.
Caitlin Newton-Broad
Community Director
View Caitlin's bio
Caitlin is a creative producer with an ongoing commitment to community cultural development, artistic adventure and access to the arts for everyone.
She has worked across Australia, Europe and Asia supporting artwork that innovates in the public realm. She has worked for Blast Theory (UK), PACT, Urban Theatre Projects, Belvoir – Company B and Performance Space (AUS). She has an ongoing interest in innovative arts in education programs, including UK and Australian models. From 2011 to 2014 she was Co-Artistic Director at Shopfront Contemporary Arts, an arts co-operative owned by young people in suburban Sydney.
Caitlin supports local artists to tell stories of western Sydney through film, performance, installation and writing and also holds responsibility to develop our grassroots program and Curious Classroom.
CO-CURIOUS STAFF
Steph Vajda
Partnerships & Creative Mentor
View Steph's bio
S. Shakthidharan
CEO & Stage Program Manager
View Shakthi's bio
Shakthi is a writer / director, a producer of screen and theatre, and a composer of original music. He is an interdisciplinary artist who often merges these forms in his work.
Recent projects include audiovisual work Rizzy’s 18th Birthday, which premiered at Carriageworks in 2014 and was adapted into a feature film, Riz, which premiered at Sydney Film Festival in 2015; Shakthi’s debut long form play, A Counting and Cracking, currently in development with Belvoir Theatre and premiering in 2019, and Laka, a multi-platform film and VR project which is set to tour the world from 2018-2019 through a commission from the Streaming Museum (NY).
From 2003-2018, Shakthi was the founder and artistic director of innovative arts and social change company CuriousWorks. During this time Shakthi led the CuriousWorks team to develop an award-winning model for the innovative use of creative digital media in marginalised communities. This work has led to long-term, multi-platform arts initiatives as well as significant grassroots social change in communities in Western Sydney, remote Western Australia and Northern Melbourne.
Shakthi was Associate Artist at Carriageworks from 2013-2015 and a founding directorate member of National Theatre of Parramatta in 2017. In 2015, he was awarded the Phillip Parson’s Playwright Award from Belvoir Theatre and in 2011 the Kirk Robson Award by Australia Council for the Arts, given to an artist for their work in relation to social justice and community cultural leadership.
Andy Ko
Administration & Finance Assistant
View Andy's bio
A life-long resident of Western Sydney, Andy was Creative Producer at PYT Fairfield from 2010 to 2012 mentoring young artists, theatre technicians and event producers. Prior to joining CuriousWorks in 2017, Andy worked in customer service operations for commercial events, and as a freelance event coordinator for community arts and cultural development projects.
Annabel Davis
Screen Program Manager
View Annabel's bio
Annabel has extensive screen industry experience and a successful history in creating proposals for key arts and film funding bodies.
From 2017-2018 she is the Partnerships Manager with CuriousWorks where she is responsible for forging new alliances with industry and strengthening the company’s existing relationships across industry, government and community arts organisations.
Prior to CuriousWorks, Annabel spent seven years with the Australian Writers’ Guild, where she was instrumental in developing their Pathways Program which linked talented writers with producers and key industry decision-makers. She also helped lead the establishment of Scripted Ink, which provides world-first development opportunities to Australian writers.
Annabel’s background also includes working on a range of Australian and international television drama series, ArtsNSW, and boutique film and video production companies.
STAFF
Vanessa Hyde
CEO
View Vanessa's bio
Vanessa is an Arts Manager and Creative Producer with extensive experience working in arts and cultural environments and has an ongoing commitment to community cultural development, artistic practice and collaboration. She has a proven track record of producing high quality work and managing organisations, artists and projects to achieve extraordinary outcomes. With a strong commitment to community empowerment through the arts and a deep believer in the power of story, Vanessa is a skilled, passionate and professional leader in the arts and community development sector in Sydney.
Caitlin Newton-Broad
Community Director
View Caitlin's bio
Caitlin is a creative producer with an ongoing commitment to community cultural development, artistic adventure and access to the arts for everyone.
She has worked across Australia, Europe and Asia supporting artwork that innovates in the public realm. She has worked for Blast Theory (UK), PACT, Urban Theatre Projects, Belvoir – Company B and Performance Space (AUS). She has an ongoing interest in innovative arts in education programs, including UK and Australian models. From 2011 to 2014 she was Co-Artistic Director at Shopfront Contemporary Arts, an arts co-operative owned by young people in suburban Sydney.
Caitlin supports local artists to tell stories of western Sydney through film, performance, installation and writing and also holds responsibility to develop our grassroots program and Curious Classroom.
Steph Vajda
Partnerships & Creative Mentor
View Steph's bio
Andy Ko
Administration & Finance Assistant
View Andy's bio
Huy Nguyen
Communications & Social Media Officer
View Huy's bio
Huy is a designer with a background in architecture, visual marketing. Since the completion of his Architecture Degree at UNSW in 2016, Huy has been working as a photographer (specialising in event, product, architectural and interior photography) and graphic designer for several companies including CuriousWorks.
Huy combines knowledge from his architecture degree with a passion for cinema and minimalism and to forge a distinctive aesthetic that is bold yet subtle and contemplative.
While working on CuriousWorks’ communications and social media channels, Huy is undertaking a postgraduate degree in Design at UNSW Arts and Design, specialising in graphic design and branding to further his skills as a visual communicator.
CO-CURIOUS STAFF
S. Shakthidharan
CEO & Stage Program Manager
View Shakthi's bio
Shakthi is a writer / director, a producer of screen and theatre, and a composer of original music. He is an interdisciplinary artist who often merges these forms in his work.
Recent projects include audiovisual work Rizzy’s 18th Birthday, which premiered at Carriageworks in 2014 and was adapted into a feature film, Riz, which premiered at Sydney Film Festival in 2015; Shakthi’s debut long form play, A Counting and Cracking, currently in development with Belvoir Theatre and premiering in 2019, and Laka, a multi-platform film and VR project which is set to tour the world from 2018-2019 through a commission from the Streaming Museum (NY).
From 2003-2018, Shakthi was the founder and artistic director of innovative arts and social change company CuriousWorks. During this time Shakthi led the CuriousWorks team to develop an award-winning model for the innovative use of creative digital media in marginalised communities. This work has led to long-term, multi-platform arts initiatives as well as significant grassroots social change in communities in Western Sydney, remote Western Australia and Northern Melbourne.
Shakthi was Associate Artist at Carriageworks from 2013-2015 and a founding directorate member of National Theatre of Parramatta in 2017. In 2015, he was awarded the Phillip Parson’s Playwright Award from Belvoir Theatre and in 2011 the Kirk Robson Award by Australia Council for the Arts, given to an artist for their work in relation to social justice and community cultural leadership.
Annabel Davis
Screen Program Manager
View Annabel's bio
Annabel has extensive screen industry experience and a successful history in creating proposals for key arts and film funding bodies.
From 2017-2018 she is the Partnerships Manager with CuriousWorks where she is responsible for forging new alliances with industry and strengthening the company’s existing relationships across industry, government and community arts organisations.
Prior to CuriousWorks, Annabel spent seven years with the Australian Writers’ Guild, where she was instrumental in developing their Pathways Program which linked talented writers with producers and key industry decision-makers. She also helped lead the establishment of Scripted Ink, which provides world-first development opportunities to Australian writers.
Annabel’s background also includes working on a range of Australian and international television drama series, ArtsNSW, and boutique film and video production companies.
STAFF
Vanessa Hyde
CEO
View Vanessa's bio
Vanessa is an Arts Manager and Creative Producer with extensive experience working in arts and cultural environments and has an ongoing commitment to community cultural development, artistic practice and collaboration. She has a proven track record of producing high quality work and managing organisations, artists and projects to achieve extraordinary outcomes. With a strong commitment to community empowerment through the arts and a deep believer in the power of story, Vanessa is a skilled, passionate and professional leader in the arts and community development sector in Sydney.
Steph Vajda
Partnerships & Creative Mentor
View Steph's bio
Caitlin Newton-Broad
Community Director
View Caitlin's bio
Caitlin is a creative producer with an ongoing commitment to community cultural development, artistic adventure and access to the arts for everyone.
She has worked across Australia, Europe and Asia supporting artwork that innovates in the public realm. She has worked for Blast Theory (UK), PACT, Urban Theatre Projects, Belvoir – Company B and Performance Space (AUS). She has an ongoing interest in innovative arts in education programs, including UK and Australian models. From 2011 to 2014 she was Co-Artistic Director at Shopfront Contemporary Arts, an arts co-operative owned by young people in suburban Sydney.
Caitlin supports local artists to tell stories of western Sydney through film, performance, installation and writing and also holds responsibility to develop our grassroots program and Curious Classroom.
Andy Ko
Administration & Finance Assistant
View Andy's bio
Huy Nguyen
Communications & Social Media Officer
View Huy's bio
Huy is a designer with a background in architecture, visual marketing. Since the completion of his Architecture Degree at UNSW in 2016, Huy has been working as a photographer (specialising in event, product, architectural and interior photography) and graphic designer for several companies including CuriousWorks.
Huy combines knowledge from his architecture degree with a passion for cinema and minimalism and to forge a distinctive aesthetic that is bold yet subtle and contemplative.
While working on CuriousWorks’ communications and social media channels, Huy is undertaking a postgraduate degree in Design at UNSW Arts and Design, specialising in graphic design and branding to further his skills as a visual communicator.
Annabel Davis
Co-Curious Screen Program Manager
View Annabel's bio
Annabel has extensive screen industry experience and a successful history in creating proposals for key arts and film funding bodies.
From 2017-2018 she is the Partnerships Manager with CuriousWorks where she is responsible for forging new alliances with industry and strengthening the company’s existing relationships across industry, government and community arts organisations.
Prior to CuriousWorks, Annabel spent seven years with the Australian Writers’ Guild, where she was instrumental in developing their Pathways Program which linked talented writers with producers and key industry decision-makers. She also helped lead the establishment of Scripted Ink, which provides world-first development opportunities to Australian writers.
Annabel’s background also includes working on a range of Australian and international television drama series, ArtsNSW, and boutique film and video production companies.
S. Shakthidharan
Co-Curious CEO & Stage Program Manager
View Shakthi's bio
Shakthi is a writer / director, a producer of screen and theatre, and a composer of original music. He is an interdisciplinary artist who often merges these forms in his work.
Recent projects include audiovisual work Rizzy’s 18th Birthday, which premiered at Carriageworks in 2014 and was adapted into a feature film, Riz, which premiered at Sydney Film Festival in 2015; Shakthi’s debut long form play, A Counting and Cracking, currently in development with Belvoir Theatre and premiering in 2019, and Laka, a multi-platform film and VR project which is set to tour the world from 2018-2019 through a commission from the Streaming Museum (NY).
From 2003-2018, Shakthi was the founder and artistic director of innovative arts and social change company CuriousWorks. During this time Shakthi led the CuriousWorks team to develop an award-winning model for the innovative use of creative digital media in marginalised communities. This work has led to long-term, multi-platform arts initiatives as well as significant grassroots social change in communities in Western Sydney, remote Western Australia and Northern Melbourne.
Shakthi was Associate Artist at Carriageworks from 2013-2015 and a founding directorate member of National Theatre of Parramatta in 2017. In 2015, he was awarded the Phillip Parson’s Playwright Award from Belvoir Theatre and in 2011 the Kirk Robson Award by Australia Council for the Arts, given to an artist for their work in relation to social justice and community cultural leadership.
BOARD
Melinda Muth
Chairperson
View Melinda's bio
Melinda is an experienced Management Educator and Facilitator who specialises in personal and team effectiveness, principally with senior executives and leadership teams. She combines her practical and academic experience to help people and companies innovate, solve problems and develop leadership capability. Melinda is also an experienced company director and currently also serves on the board of HCA Philanthropy.
Andrew Maiden
General Member
View Andrew's bio
Andrew Maiden is an accomplished leader in public policy, advocacy and communications.
After completing degrees in law and economics, Andrew served as an adviser, press secretary and chief-of-staff to senior Australian political figures including the federal Minister for Finance.
In 2000 he joined Telstra, leading the company’s international regulatory team as the telco expanded in the region and acquired media assets. He later headed group communications, leading a team of 100 responsible for public affairs, media relations, employee communications, corporate responsibility and reputation.
In 2013 Andrew continued his media sector career as chief executive of ASTRA, the peak body representing subscription television in Australia. He worked closely with the CEOs of large media companies, senior political figures, regulators and journalists, achieving significant regulatory reform.
Andrew now offers strategic counsel to boards, chief executives and senior executives, helping them manage regulatory, reputation and political risks. He has provided trusted advice to clients in media, technology, infrastructure, professional services, the arts, transport, resources, sport and healthcare.
He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Easha Ranasinghe
Treasurer
View Easha's bio
Josh Butt
General Member
View Josh's bio
Josh is a multi-award winning producer of television, commercials, comedy and audio. In June 2017 Josh began as Head of Program Formats and Development at The Story Lab focusing on bringing global and local television formats to Australian Networks and brands.
Formerly, Josh was head of production at Mediacom Advertising (MBA), leading production of brand funded TV (Air Rescue, Firies, Storm Season), TVCs and commercial films for major brands including Westpac, Duracell, Foxtel, Transport NSW, Mars and others. He previously worked at ABC, Fairfax, Triple M, taught 2nd year Film Producing, regularly performs voiceovers and spent four years as a stand up/sketch comic. Josh studied at the Victorian College of the Arts and Monash University and is a judge of the Cast Away Podcast awards.
Rachel Kerry
Public Officer
View Rachel's bio
Rachel is a philanthropic and social responsibility expert who has worked in the industry for more than 12 years. She brings to CuriousWorks an excellent understanding of governance, business processes and strategic management as well as experience in making meaningful connections between the private, corporate and charitable sectors.
Melody Ng
General Member
View Melody's bio
Melody is a dedicated lawyer who works at Telstra as a legal counsel, providing end to end commercial legal advice and consultancy. Melody has also had experience working at the Arts Law Centre of Australia and brings expertise to the organisation in the areas of contractual advice and intellectual property.
BOARD
Melinda Muth
Chairperson
View Melinda's bio
Melinda is an experienced Management Educator and Facilitator who specialises in personal and team effectiveness, principally with senior executives and leadership teams. She combines her practical and academic experience to help people and companies innovate, solve problems and develop leadership capability. Melinda is also an experienced company director and currently also serves on the board of HCA Philanthropy.
Easha Ranasinghe
Treasurer
View Easha's bio
Rachel Kerry
Public Officer
View Rachel's bio
Rachel is a philanthropic and social responsibility expert who has worked in the industry for more than 12 years. She brings to CuriousWorks an excellent understanding of governance, business processes and strategic management as well as experience in making meaningful connections between the private, corporate and charitable sectors.
Josh Butt
General Member
View Josh's bio
Josh is a multi-award winning producer of television, commercials, comedy and audio. In June 2017 Josh began as Head of Program Formats and Development at The Story Lab focusing on bringing global and local television formats to Australian Networks and brands.
Formerly, Josh was head of production at Mediacom Advertising (MBA), leading production of brand funded TV (Air Rescue, Firies, Storm Season), TVCs and commercial films for major brands including Westpac, Duracell, Foxtel, Transport NSW, Mars and others. He previously worked at ABC, Fairfax, Triple M, taught 2nd year Film Producing, regularly performs voiceovers and spent four years as a stand up/sketch comic. Josh studied at the Victorian College of the Arts and Monash University and is a judge of the Cast Away Podcast awards.
Melody Ng
General Member
View Melody's bio
Melody is a dedicated lawyer who works at Telstra as a legal counsel, providing end to end commercial legal advice and consultancy. Melody has also had experience working at the Arts Law Centre of Australia and brings expertise to the organisation in the areas of contractual advice and intellectual property.
Andrew Maiden
General Member
View Andrew's bio
Andrew Maiden is an accomplished leader in public policy, advocacy and communications.
After completing degrees in law and economics, Andrew served as an adviser, press secretary and chief-of-staff to senior Australian political figures including the federal Minister for Finance.
In 2000 he joined Telstra, leading the company’s international regulatory team as the telco expanded in the region and acquired media assets. He later headed group communications, leading a team of 100 responsible for public affairs, media relations, employee communications, corporate responsibility and reputation.
In 2013 Andrew continued his media sector career as chief executive of ASTRA, the peak body representing subscription television in Australia. He worked closely with the CEOs of large media companies, senior political figures, regulators and journalists, achieving significant regulatory reform.
Andrew now offers strategic counsel to boards, chief executives and senior executives, helping them manage regulatory, reputation and political risks. He has provided trusted advice to clients in media, technology, infrastructure, professional services, the arts, transport, resources, sport and healthcare.
He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
PARTNERS
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre
Australian Film, Radio & Television School
Miller Technology High School
Fairfield Museum and Gallery
Riverside Theatre Parramatta
Micro Galleries
Settlement Services International
PYT Fairfield
Youth off the Streets
Fairfield Intensive English Centre
Phoenix Eye
Moogahlin Performing Arts
Blacktown Arts Centre
WOW Festival for Children
Sydney Latin American Film Festival
Granville Youth and Community Centre
Mt Druitt & District Reconciliation Group
FUNPARK Coalition
Bidwill Uniting
The Learning Ground Bidwill
North St Mary’s Neighbourhood Centre
Diversity Arts Australia
Sweatshop
Q Theatre - Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
SUPPORTERS
CONTACT US
02 9602 9568
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre, Level 3, 1 Powerhouse Rd Casula NSW
PO Box 112 Liverpool NSW 1871 Australia
ABN 49 717 992 269












