ABOUT AWESOME & THE AWESOME TEAM
MISSION
To be the catalyst in developing creative, open-minded, young Western Australians who are engaged with the world.
AWESOME ARTS AUSTRALIA Ltd (AWESOME) is a not for profit arts company based in Perth, Western Australia. AWESOME aims to inspire creativity in young people by developing arts projects that will engage them, inspire them and encourage them to think creatively. AWESOME brings interest and entertainment to the everyday. By removing the boundaries of traditional art forms, AWESOME encourages young people to have a fulfilling arts experience, in particular reaching young people who have had no previous interaction with the arts.
The organisation has developed two main areas of business: The annual AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things held in the Perth CBD each November and Community Development Programs.
AWESOME STAFF
JENNY SIMPSON - General Manager
Jenny has recently returned to Perth having spent two years as the Festival Director of the National Folk Festival (Canberra) and a brief stint as Interim Director at Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre.
Jenny is looking forward to combining her passion for presenting high quality and innovative arts, community cultural development and working with regional communities.
Happily home in Fremantle, Jenny is eagerly anticipating all those finals matches featuring the Dockers!
CAROL BREARLEY - Program Director
Carol comes to AWESOME with broad experience working locally and internationally in programming, producing and event management. Her experience coupled with a love for the fresh, quirky and cutting edge will ensure AWESOME continues to traverse new artistic territory for Perth audiences.
AMANDA PREMICI - Community Development Manager
After coordinating AWESOME’s successful volunteer programme for three years and acting as administrator for 2006, Amanda is thrilled to be able to put her BA in Community Development to good use and step up to the plate as Community Development Manager. She will manage the 2007 Smarter than Smoking Creative Challenge.
"What I love about Creative Challenge is that no-one is ever really sure how something is going to end up. What is most important about this is the journey, rather than the arrival. Expect the unexpected, and when the unexpected happens, welcome it as a new opportunity."
TEGAN THOROGOOD - Communications & Marketing Manager
LAUREN SIMPSON - Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator
With one year under her belt, Lauren looks forward to her new challenge in 2008 of going to Leonora for the Creative Challenge ‘FEAST’! Lauren has realised that the best way of gaining experience in the arts is to put yourself out there and volunteer.
AMANDA BARRETT HAYES - Project Coordinator, Vale
New to Perth, Amanda has recently arrived from the UK. She holds an M.A. in Movement Studies from Central School of Speech and Drama in London. In addition to working with AWESOME, she also works with various companies around Perth as an Actor Movement Director and Teacher.
Originally from the US, she completed a B.A. in Theatre Performance at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In addition to her professional work, she has worked extensively in primary and secondary education as a performer, puppeteer, choreographer and movement teacher.
Amanda looks forward to working with AWESOME to create opportunities for young people in WA to realise their artistic potential.
JAMES SAVAGE- Production Manager
ERIC SANKEY - Accountant
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pina Caffarelli - Chair/Treasurer
Stedman Ellis
Stephanie Matthews
Gino Premici
Susanne Roberts
Catherine Osborn
Jenny Simpson - AWESOME GM
Jessyca Hutchens - Company Secretary
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
Many thanks to Bam Creative for development of the AWESOME website, Craig Francis at BHT Creative for all the cool graphics, Lynda Soklich, Poppy van Oorde Grainger, Louise Snook, Bec Juniper, Luke Davey and Michael Wise for all the beautiful photos.