The Country Arts Foundation is comprised of volunteer community leaders and philanthropists who work with Country Arts SA Board and staff to raise much-needed funds to support programs, establish an endowment that will support regional arts in perpetuity and to build relationships that will be beneficial to Country Arts SA.
Our Directors bring professional expertise in a variety of areas. They are responsible for providing strategic oversight, financial management, as well as ensuring we are governed by appropriate policies and procedures. All our Directors serve in an honorary capacity and receive no financial benefits.
Chair
Robyn is the Business Development Manager of The PaperBoats, a partnership platform for theatre-makers creating works for 3-8 year olds. With over 30 years of experience in fundraising, Robyn raised $6 million for the Her Majesty’s Theatre Redevelopment Project during her role as Philanthropy Manager at Adelaide Festival Centre. Robyn has lived in many regional SA towns and is passionate about ensuring that regional children enjoy the arts.
Chair
An experienced business owner with a demonstrated history of 17 years working in the accounting industry, Paula is skilled in accounting, taxation and superannuation advisory work, and business consulting with SMEs.
Anthony is the Chief Executive of Country Arts SA and has worked in the arts industry for over 20 years having held artistic leadership positions with the Adelaide and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras, Adelaide Festival of Arts and MusicaViva Australia.
Brenz is the Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of Cerulean Creative Studios, a First Nations digital game development business based in Adelaide. He is a strong and passionate advocate for digital inclusion ensuring digital accessibility and education is delivered to all members of the South Australian community. Brenz also serves on the board of Tauondi Aboriginal College and the Adelaide Crows Foundation.
Globally recognised, Mainland has worked in and around festivals for over 30 years. She is currently Chief Executive of the Adelaide Festival. Prior to this, she was Executive Director and co-CEO of RISING, CEO of Melbourne International Arts Festival; Chief Executive of Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Administrative Director of Edinburgh International Book Festival. She is passionate about the arts, their place in society and the unique alchemy that happens at festivals.
Erika has extensive experience working on boards and committees including as a Commissioner of the SA Local Government Grants and Boundaries Commission and an Administrator of the District Council of Coober Pedy. She is a former Mayor of Naracoorte Lucindale Council and was a board member of Country Arts SA from 2018-2022. Erika is a strong advocate for arts and is passionate about improving the liveability of communities in regional SA.
Jack is a director of an independent consultancy firm based in the Eyre Peninsula. Jack has an extensive background in arts, cultural development, governance, strategy and fundraising throughout Australia. He is passionate about the role the arts play in innovation, creativity, transformation and community development.
Cassandra Barendregt
Development Director
Country Arts Foundation
[email protected]
Jessica Little
Development Support Officer
Country Arts Foundation
[email protected]
Country Arts Foundation Ltd [ABN 84 631 677 908] is a registered charity, endorsed with Deductible Gift Recipient status. All gifts $2 and above to the Country Arts Foundation are tax-deductible. To find out more about our privacy and data policy please click here.
Country Arts SA pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognises their continuing connection and spiritual relationship to these lands, waters and skies. We are committed to listening and helping care for Country, and to safeguard, share and celebrate First Nations’ living cultures.