I work with cultural organisations of all sizes to help them grow, adapt and flourish.
Whether you're looking to welcome new audiences, deepen engagement, or better understand your impact, I’m here to support you.
Art for Wellbeing + Connection
Drawing on my background in contemporary art and audience engagement, I empower teams to transform visitor experiences—fostering curiosity and building lasting support for your institution.
Together, we can:
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Grow and connect with your audiences
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Make spaces more welcoming and accessible
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Understand what’s working through thoughtful evaluation
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Support your team to thrive
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Explore how arts engagement supports creativity, wellbeing and belonging
I know how the arts can connect us, challenge us, and make life richer. My role is to help you create the conditions where that can happen - for everyone.
With over 30 years of experience in the UK and Australia, including eight years as Director of Audience Engagement at MCA Australia, I collaborate with cultural organisations to grow their audiences and energise their teams.
I’ve worked with Ikon Gallery Birmingham, Tate UK, COCA NZ, the City of Mandurah WA, Orange Regional Gallery NSW and Moderna Museet Malmo to deliver confident staff, stronger engagement, and measurable impact.
Every project begins with a conversation then we shape what’s needed, understanding and responding to context leading to long-term plans - always led by care, curiosity and purpose.
Audience development, grounded in care and context
Visitor Experience Training
Front-of-house teams are the heartbeat of any cultural space. I offer an interactive, 3-hour session - shaped by research and first delivered at Tate UK – that empowers staff to move beyond information-sharing, becoming confident facilitators of connection and discovery.
Perfect for hosts, invigilators, and volunteers, the training equips teams to:
• Spark meaningful conversations
• Ask better questions
• Communicate accessibly
• Handle challenges with empathy and confidence
Engaging, practical, and energising—it’s training that transforms how your visitors feel.
“Your insights and stimulating questions have given me fresh ideas and new perspectives to explore"
NAME / JOB / TITLE
“Gill is a wonderful speaker—your energy is contagious! I feel so much more motivated to be a well-informed, welcoming, and enthusiastic front-of-house team member."
ORANGE REGIONAL GALLERY STAFF MEMBER
Museums and galleries are powerful spaces for connection, resilience, and bringing us together. I co-design and deliver well-being initiatives that are responsive, inclusive, and grounded in real impact.
From leading a pilot program at MCA Australia to advising Moderna Museet Malmö on setting up their own art and wellbeing program, I bring practical, relevant experience and international perspectives. I also convene a global network focused on art and well-being.
Interested in shaping your own approach? Let’s talk—book a free 30-minute conversation.
Art and Well-being
Featured artworks by artists Ebony Wightman and Jane Thatcher, in the We Are Studios show at Blacktown Arts Centre, October 2023.
Access and Inclusion
Image: Jacquie Manning.
Featured artwork: Lara Merrett, Paint me in (detail), 2018, synthetic polymer paint and ink on canvas, steel, commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia for the Jackson Bella Room, 2018, image courtesy and © the artist
True access goes beyond compliance—it’s about cultural equity. I help cultural organisations move from plans to action, creating inclusive experiences that benefit everyone.
With lived experience as Hard of Hearing (since 1995) and seven years of overseeing access and inclusion at MCA Australia, I bring deep insight into what works. I’ve delivered national research for Creative Australia and champion Universal Design that serves a wide range of visitors.
Let’s centre d/Deaf and disabled voices, challenge cultural ableism, and build spaces that welcome all.
SOME WORDS FROM FORMER MCA DIRECTOR, ELIZABETH ANN MACGREGOR, OBE AM FRSN
'As Director, Audience Engagement at the MCA for almost eight years, Gill delivered a singular and dynamic vision.
The wealth of knowledge and experience that she brought to the MCA and its audiences was a major factor in the MCA’s success.
Gill's work is exemplary. She is an extraordinary thinker, writer and researcher, delivering the highest standards in audience engagement, access and visitor experience.
Her passion and deep understanding of how artists think and work, matched by her expertise and remarkable ability to engage audiences of all ages was invaluable. Gill brought international stature and reputation which benefitted the MCA, and indeed Australia.’
“Your insights and stimulating questions have given me fresh ideas and new perspectives to explore"
NAME / JOB / TITLE
“Gill is a wonderful speaker—your energy is contagious! I feel so much more motivated to be a well-informed, welcoming, and enthusiastic front-of-house team member."
ORANGE REGIONAL GALLERY STAFF MEMBER
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
I live and work on the unceded land of the Darug and Gundungurra Peoples.
I recognise and celebrate the histories, diversity, creativity, resourcefulness and endurance of the First Peoples of Australia – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
