Deb Wilks – Executive Director

Deb’s dedication to Performing Arts has seen her working for over 20 years in the Arts Sector, and she is know as a driving force in Australian Circus. She has worked with many emerging and established artists and has a passion for improving the business skills of Artists and building the value of the arts to non-artists.

This passion is the impetus behind Cluster Arts.

“I am a quick thinking arts professional who enjoys thinking outside the box. I understand the importance of strong governance. I have enjoyed a solid career in business, and in the arts and believe you cannot have one without the other.”

Deb has a strong track record in working with community organisations and working collaboratively with a diverse range of people. Her career has included CEO of Flipside Circus (2009-2015) and CEO of Aboriginal Centre for Performance Arts (ACPA) (2015). She has worked as a creative writer on her own range of cookbooks, and starred in a series exercise videos. Deb holds a Graduate Diploma in Management (Arts & Culture) and is currently completing her Masters In Management (Arts & Culture).

“The circus and performing arts community is one big global family and I love travelling and finding the Artists wherever I go. From ‘winning’ a lap dance from Briefs Artist Davy Sampford in Brisbane, to watching Company 2’s Scotch and Soda in London, to seeing my son Tim performing Flying Trapeze in Japan, and more. I am looking forward to seeing what the next generation of emerging Artists has to show the world!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kate Malone – Executive Producer

An excellent quick thinker and problem solver, Kate is focused, calm, creative and never daunted by any challenge large or small.

She has spent the past ten years working across a range of roles within Queensland arts and have a proven track record in delivering events, festivals, shows in theatres, tents and open air.

Kate has a strong focus on outcomes which means she has a keen understanding of planning, scheduling, leadership, developing relationships/ networking and working to a budget.

She is driven to find new and innovative ways for independent companies to tour. In 2017, Kate received funding from Arts Queensland to travel abroad and develop networks in the European Touring Market and research the feedback on why Australian circus is at the forefront of European touring. She attended six festivals and three arts markets in this time and out of this, secured several tours for Australian based circus companies, including a season at London Underbelly and 5-week venue tour through the United Kingdom for Casus Circus.

As Producer, Kate has worked extensively around Australia and internationally with Casus Circus, Company 2, Briefs Factory, Company Here & Now, Chores, Flipside Circus and Woodford Folk Festival.

Kate’s skills lie in producing, production management, preparing touring schedules, working with technical staff, liaising with performers and being in the thick of things as a tour approaches.

“I am passionate about working with artists to provide the management and structure so they can focus on their show and performance– I get a kick and much satisfaction out of watching the audience enjoy the end product!”

Emma Black – Operations Manager

Emma began training and performing with Brisbane’s Flipside Circus at age nine. It was from there that she fell in love with being on stage and showing off her tricks & skills to audience members. At age 17, she  went on to study full time at the National Institute of Circus Arts. Armed with a BA in Circus, Emma began professionally performing at many prestigious events such as the 2012 London Olympics and both Melbourne & Adelaide’s Fringe Festivals plus numerous corporate events including Crown Casino & Brisbane Festival as well being a resident performer on P&O Cruise Line. In recent years Emma has found her passion for Arts Administration & joined the Cluster Arts team as Operations Manager in May 2019.

She is also the director and founder of successful hula hoop company Hip Hoop Hooray that specialises in making hula hoops and teaching people how to hula hoop for both fitness and performance purposes.

Emma is also director and coach for Brisbane Trapeze Academy – Brisbane’s premier academy for flying trapeze performance & instruction.

“I love seeing circus & performing come to life. Knowing that I was a part of taking an idea from being ‘just an idea’ to actually putting it show on stage & having it come to fruition, is what I enjoy the most.”

Hugo

New Gen coming through

Saffie, Milou, & Whiskey

Circus Oodles