New additions to the Melbourne Fringe Board

We’re beyond thrilled to announce the appointment of three new Directors to the Melbourne Fringe Board – Joel Bray, Rupert Sherwood and Sonia Lindsay.

Joel Bray (pictured) is a proud Wiradjuri man and Melbourne-based artist. After training at both NAISDA and WAAPA, he now performs with Chunky Move and has a practice springing from his Wiradjuri cultural heritage. His first solo performance Biladurang, commissioned for Deadly Fringe in 2017, won three Festival awards and went on to tour nationally and internationally to great acclaim. Re-invented for the digital space, Biladurang 2.0 premiered recently at VCR Fest. Joel’s work has appeared at Brisbane, Sydney, Darwin, Midsumma, Auckland and Dance Massive Festivals as well as Arts Centre Melbourne.

Sonia Lindsay has over 20 years’ experience in HR, Change and management in the arts sector, not for profit organisations, government, and the private sector. She works at her own consulting practice as a change strategist and management coach, as well as pursuing her passion for community development in Melbourne’s Western suburbs. Sonia is interested in intersectionality and expressions from the margins.

Rupert Sherwood is a fundraising professional with over 20 years’ experience working in marketing, corporate partnerships, and philanthropy in an arts context. He has worked with organisations including the Melbourne International Arts Festival and the Australian Youth Orchestra and is currently Director of Development at Melbourne Theatre Company. Rupert is passionate about creating opportunities for donors and corporate partners that help them forge deep and long-lasting connections to the arts, and in turn strengthen our artistic community to foster a more creative and empathetic society.

Sam Strong, our Board Chair says that Joel, Sonia and Rupert “bring a wealth of experience and talent, from strategic thinking, to fundraising, to human resources, to community development, to creating acclaimed First Nations art works. And they are united by their commitment to the spirit of Fringe – its championing of diverse voices and independent artists.”