About Us
The Kimberley is a vast and spectacular region in North Western Australia. It is home to intrepid and creative people who are inspired by the region’s ancient landscape, diverse heritage, rich culture and strong communities. KAN supports and promotes artists and organisations across the region to enhance the life of the Kimberley.
KAN was launched in 2018 by a group of dedicated volunteers who aim to increase exposure, skills and open up new markets for our creative Kimberley community. Since then we have grown and established ourselves as an energetic, reliable and creative partner that enhances liveability in the region. Our KAN Members are part of a diverse network of creative individuals and gain exposure and opportunity to participate in a variety of events and exhibitions across the year.
In our KAN Shed we deliver community arts and regular activities and networking events. We support our professional arts sector by hosting the annual Broome Fringe Festival, ‘art above the 26th’ and other exhibitions. Outside Broome, we collaborate with communities on art programs that increase skills and capacity, and support wellbeing, empowerment and creative expression.
As a not-for-profit organisation, KAN is inclusive and supportive of all makers and creators and embraces those who want to participate and support Kimberley arts.
KAN is supported by the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program with funding managed by Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and delivered to the community by Regional Arts WA.
STRIVE
To meet the diverse artistic needs of members
Better understand the gaps and needs of our region
Develop focused response to gaps and needs in collaboration with community
Respect diverse artists, enterprises and styles, supporting and representing all equally
Foster collegiate relationships between diverse arts organisations
To be a highly respected Kimberley arts organisation
BUILD
Build a strong, connected & sustainable membership
Grow KAN Membership to enhance regional representation
Build a sense of community in the local art sector
Build an environment that fosters sector leadership
CONNECT
Connect members with funding and representation opportunities
Act as a collective voice on behalf of the Members
Connect the arts to develop new audiences
Connect with stakeholders to develop arts facilities and activities for the community
Share program, funding and development opportunities
Create opportunities for collaboration and sharing
SUPPORT
Support and encourage members to access opportunities
Promote Kimberley arts to the widest possible audience
Share information and skills to increase engagement
Develop collaborative programs that increase skills
Act as a collective voice on behalf of Members
Vision
To be a professional arts organisation that connects diverse creative communities in the Kimberley and drives opportunities that develop the vibrant cultural life of the region.
Purpose
To enhance the region's value and share the Kimberley's unique country, people and creative expression through arts and culture by developing creative events, productive programs and innovative projects.
Objectives
To foster a truly region-wide and active network of artists, arts organisations and community stakeholders engaged in thriving arts and cultural practice.
Our Committee
Amy Andison
Chair
Amy has lived in the Kimberley for 12 years, and is an active member of the Broome community. Amy works at Magabala Books as the Development and Projects Manager and also has professional and board experience in Community Development, and with Not-For-profit community organisations, managing large program budgets and successful grant management. She is excited to increase her connection to the Kimberley arts community and be inspired to try new creative projects.
Jack Cornelius
Treasurer
Naomie Hatherley
Deputy Chair
Naomie is a practicing artist and works in education. She is passionate about the power of creative arts in fostering a healthy connected community.
James Carpenter
Secretary
James has lived in Broome for 18 years and is never leaving: “I love it!”. A keen fisherman, a cricket tragic and lover of the Arts. He has worked in all three levels of government and has extensive and valuable networks across the region. His diverse interests include organising and attending events, and hopes to encourage more live original music and the revival of print media.
Rowena Harries
Board Member
Ash Mumford
Board Member
Ash first came across KAN by attending events like 'Art Above the 26th' and the life drawing classes at the KAN Shed. He has lived in Broome for over 8 years and works as a native title lawyer across WA. Ash is keen to see more arts and music events in Broome and the Kimberley, as well as workshops by great teachers that give us the opportunity to learn new skills and meet others in the Kimberley art community.
Carly Day
Board Member
Carly runs the ‘Artists Away from Home’ program and has worked in Indigenous Art Centres for many years. She is passionate about arts development and knows the challenges and rewards of strong networks and partnerships.
Akira Boardman
Board Member
Akira's passions of theatre, art and politics often intersect. With extensive experience in policy, advocacy and campaigns she is passionate about advocating for a sustainable and thriving arts community in the Kimberley. She lives in Broome with her young son and works at a community legal service educating people on their legal rights and advocating for systemic change and fills her rare windows of free time with creating.
Yisah bin Omar
Board Member
Yisah is a proud Djukun woman from the West Kimberley, with cultural connections to the Karajarri, Kija, and Nyikina peoples, and maternal ties to the Gooreng Gooreng and Quandamooka [Nunukul] peoples of Queensland. With over a decade of experience in community development, Yisah works to empower women and foster strength-based, community-led initiatives that promote equity, social change, and community healing. She also runs Djugun Designs; unique, handcrafted jewellery, and is a Club Connector for Maganda Makers Business Club; a network of Kimberley Aboriginal women in business.
Clancy McDowell
Executive Officer
Clancy first arrived in the Kimberley from Sydney over 20 years ago. She came with a background in fine arts and film production and has continued to work in arts and communications with a range of local organisations and the ABC. In 2020 Clancy established herself as a consultant and focussed on working with arts and community engagement, developing projects she is passionate about. Working with KAN is a great match as Clancy uses her skills, experience and connections to grow and support the vibrant local arts sector.