About Us

Cluster Arts is a production and producing company based in Meanjin/Brisbane, working across Australia and around the globe to elevate bold live performance. We exist to make creative careers sustainable. At the heart of everything we do is a deep respect for artists - their time, talent, labour, and livelihood. Touring is real work, and we treat it that way.

We specialise in building long-term touring models and strategic pathways that go beyond the one-off gig. From financial planning to international market development, we back artists with the tools and support to build thriving creative businesses - not just great shows.

In 2025, we proudly celebrate 10 years of supporting artists. In that time, we’ve delivered over 300 tours, supported more than 400 artists, and worked in 15+ countries - from regional Australia to the world’s biggest arts festivals.

Cluster Arts is relationship-driven, values-led, and unafraid to go above and beyond. We walk alongside our artists, presenters, and partners — not just during the show run, but for the long haul.

  • Deb Wilks is a highly respected arts leader with more than 20 years of experience in the Australian circus and performing arts sector. Known for her strategic thinking and ability to make complex projects happen, she has worked alongside emerging and established artists to build stronger, more sustainable creative careers.

    Deb is the co-founder of Cluster Arts along with Kate Malone, where her passion for strengthening artists’ business skills and expanding the reach of live performance drives the company’s work.

    Deeply connected to the global circus community, Deb believes the arts thrive through collaboration, bold ideas, and the next generation of artists pushing boundaries.

    Email Address: debbie@clusterarts.com

  • Kate Malone is a co-founder and Executive Producer at Cluster Arts and a dynamic force in the Australian circus and performing arts sector.

    With more than 15 years of producing experience, Kate has built a reputation for turning ambitious creative ideas into successful touring productions and festival seasons. She works across local and international markets, securing opportunities, managing complex projects, and ensuring artists and productions reach the audiences they deserve.

    A Brisbane City Council Artistic Fellowship recipient, Kate is also a trusted voice on funding panels and within international circus networks.

    Driven by a deep commitment to the sector, Kate is focused on growing the global presence of Australian circus and helping Brisbane claim its place on the world stage.

    Email Address: kate@clusterarts.com

  • Emma Serjeant is a creative producer with more than 18 years’ experience across the Australian and international contemporary circus sector. Beginning her career as a circus artist after graduating from the National Institute of Circus Arts in 2006, Emma brings a deep understanding of the creative process to her producing work.

    She co-founded Casus Circus with Jesse Scott, Lachlan McAulay and Natano Faanana and toured extensively in France and wider Europe for many years.  

    Emma also founded her own independent production house, presenting contemporary circus productions on stages around the world and building strong international touring networks.

    Now fully focused on producing, Emma works closely with artists to support the development and touring of new work while championing sustainable practices within the arts.

    After several years living in Germany and working within the European circus landscape, Emma brings valuable international perspective and connections to the Cluster Arts team. She is passionate about the ability of circus and physical theatre to connect audiences across cultures and borders.

    Email Address: emma@clusterarts.com

Our Advisory Circle

What is our Arts Advisory Circle?

A small circle of people who have helped, in different ways, shape Cluster Arts over the years.

Professionals whose thinking we really value and ‘get us’.   

Why now

Cluster Arts is at a point where the decisions we’re making feel bigger and longer term. We want to stay independent and artist led but also be more intentional about how we grow and sustain our work. 

Rather than formalizing into something that doesn’t feel like us, we’re choosing to surround ourselves with the right people. 

What this isn’t 

  • Not a board or governance structure. 

  • No formal responsibilities or liabilities. 

  • No involvement in day-to-day operations. 

  • No expectation to approve anything. 

What’s involved - Time & shape 

  • 2–3 gatherings a year (simple, thoughtful, not overcooked). 

  • Occasional one-on-one check-ins if something comes up. 

  • Flexible — we respect everyone’s time. 

What matters to us

Honesty, perspective, and care. We’re not looking for polish—we’re looking for real conversations.

What you can expect from us

The intention

Clarity about when we’re asking for input, respect for your time, and a genuine relationship—not a transactional one.

To keep building Cluster Arts in a way that is thoughtful, sustainable, and still feels like us—supported by people we trust.

  • Jody Ovenden is an executive leader specialising in strategy, transformation and organisational change, with more than 20 years' experience helping government, commercial and community organisations turn ambitious ideas into sustainable outcomes. 

    Throughout her career, Jody has led large-scale transformation across Queensland and Australian Government agencies and complex private sector organisations, building trusted relationships, strengthening governance and creating the conditions for organisations to grow with confidence. She is known for bringing clarity to complexity, connecting people around a shared purpose and translating strategy into practical action. 

    While much of her professional career has been in enterprise transformation, Jody has always been passionate about the role creativity plays in building thriving communities. During her time as Creative Communities Manager with Brisbane City Council, she worked closely with Cluster Arts and other cultural organisations to strengthen Brisbane's creative sector and secure long-term investment in initiatives that deliver lasting social, cultural and economic value. Supporting the development of Cluster Arts' circus and physical theatre festival remains one of the highlights of that time. 

    Jody believes the arts create opportunities for connection, courage and new ways of thinking, qualities that are equally important in leadership, communities and organisations. She is delighted to be part of Cluster Arts' Arts Advisory Circle, contributing strategic perspective while supporting an organisation that continues to champion independent artists, creative risk-taking and meaningful community impact. 

    She is currently working across Strategy and Transformation with Brisbane Airport Corporation and has previously held executive leadership roles with the Residential Tenancies Authority, the Australian Taxation Office, Flight Centre's global FCM business and Brisbane City Council. Across every role, her focus has remained the same: helping organisations navigate change with purpose, integrity and people at the centre. 

Integrity

We honour our commitments, champion fair pay, and treat creative careers with the professionalism they deserve. Touring is real work - and we show up for our artists, always.

Collaboration

We believe strong relationships build strong results. We invest in long-term partnerships with artists, presenters, funders, and communities - working together, not just side by side.

Creativity

We back original, relevant, and courageous work - the kind that moves audiences and sparks change. We create the conditions for brave ideas to thrive and reach their full potential.

Access & Equity

We are committed to inclusion at every level - from the artists we support to the stages we reach. We value diverse voices, perspectives, and stories both onstage and behind the scenes.

Sustainability

We help artists build lasting careers with smart business models and strategic planning. Our approach considers financial viability, emotional wellbeing, and environmental responsibility - because real sustainability means artists can keep doing what they do best.

What drives us