MAV appoints Lauren Mullings as Creative Director/Co-CEO and announces three new board members.

Newly appointed Creative Director and Co-CEO Lauren Mullings stands smiling in the centre of the photograph.

Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Mullings as the organisation's new Creative Director/Co-CEO, effective July 2023.

Lauren brings a wealth of experience in the arts sector from both Australia and the UK, positioning MAV for an exciting phase of growth and innovation.

In her role as Creative Director/Co-CEO, Lauren will collaborate with Executive Director/Co-CEO Andy Miller to shape MAV's strategic direction. Together, they will champion MAV’s vision of an arts and cultural landscape as diverse as our people.

Leading a dedicated team of staff and collaborators, Lauren will foster partnerships and amplify creative talent across communities.

With a background in arts management and creative producing, Lauren possesses a deep understanding of the transformative power of the arts. Her expertise will strengthen MAV's commitment to supporting artists from diverse backgrounds, facilitating cross-cultural collaborations, and engaging with communities meaningfully.

Lauren’s dedication to utilising the arts as a catalyst for social change aligns seamlessly with MAV's Vision. Her previous roles include Senior Producer at Fuse Festival and Independent Creative Producer and Access and Inclusion Lead at RISING: Melbourne. Through these positions, she has connected artists, communities, and stakeholders to create dynamic artistic experiences and culturally safe spaces.

Commenting on her appointment, Lauren expressed her enthusiasm about joining MAV:

"I am excited about this opportunity to work collectively with MAV's remarkable Board, team, and allied communities who, like me, are committed to cultural change, visibility, and equity in the creative sector."

Michael van Vliet, Chairperson of MAV, remarked:

"Lauren is the ideal leader for MAV, drawing on her national and international experience in programming and her knowledge of Victoria's local government arts environment. Furthermore, her background as a multi-disciplinary artist will build upon MAV's impressive legacy as an organisation driven by creatives."

The Board of Directors extends their gratitude to Zii Nzira for his outstanding service as interim Co-CEO, recognising his steadying influence and the significant initiatives and connections created during his tenure.

The Board invites everyone to join them in welcoming Lauren Mullings as the new Creative Director/Co-CEO, offering their warmest congratulations on her appointment.

With Lauren’s guidance and expertise, MAV will continue to be a driving force in advancing cultural equity, supporting emerging artists, and promoting cross-cultural understanding in the State and across borders.

MAV ELECTS THREE NEW BOARD MEMBERS

MAV is pleased to elect the following community leaders onto the Board:

Ursula Dyer Lepporoli

Ursula Dyer Lepporoli was co-opted as a board member in 2022 and was a previous observer. As a partner of KPMG, Ursula brings her leadership skills and financial experience as a Global Mobility Tax leader to MAV. She has worked closely with MAV to develop a procurement training session with the support of KPMG and is looking forward to contributing her value to the organisation as a patron of the arts, and as a culturally diverse business leader.

Kylie Crane

Kylie Crane is a HR professional with over 20 years of experience in the creative industries, including The Arts Centre Melbourne, and Madman Entertainment. Kylie is passionate about the role art can play in shaping mindsets and communities. Culture-first and collaboration is her approach when initiating strategy, and champions designing people-centric programs, frameworks, and solutions.

Michael van Vliet

Michael van Vliet has served as Chair for the past five years at MAV and intends to support the transition of leadership. Michael has extensive experience in the multicultural sector having worked with the Victorian Government in the Multicultural Affairs portfolio, grant manager at the Victorian Multicultural Commission, communications manager at Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre, and is currently the Grants Team Leader at City of Yarra.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Theresa Angela
Marketing Communications Manager 
theresa@mav.org.au