VAPAC is pleased to announce the appointment of Melenie Stevenson to the newly created role of Industry Development Manager. Melenie joins us from her current role as Creative Producer at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA), where she managed their commercial arm, NICA Represents. Over the last five years she has spearheaded the institution’s inaugural residency program, developed creative opportunities for artists and directors to collaborate on innovative new projects, and facilitated transformative growth via the pioneering Australian Circus Summit. She is an arts industry specialist with experience across a range of roles including producing, event management, strategy development, artist management, casting, programming, and creative direction. She has an established track record of securing federal, state, and local government funding for major sector-wide capacity building projects, and artistic collaboration on various performing arts programs and events.

Melenie will work closely with VAPAC’s members to strengthen the sector into the future, with a focus on our Industry Development Initiative to address the current shortages in technical staff in venues. The role will strengthen our connection into the education sector at a secondary and tertiary level, as well as our advocacy work with government.

Mel will start with VAPAC on September 4th, and is looking forward to working our members across Victoria, Tasmania and beyond.