Our People

Talented, hard-working, passionate and hooked on community engaged arts are just some of the ways to describe the people that keep Footscray Community Arts ticking along.

Meet our team.

Images: Some images feature Marks I in background. Marks I by Brook Andrew is a commissioned work for Footscray Community Arts, created with extensive community involvement, 2012. 

Live Performance Producer

Aamer Ahmed

Aamer is a multidisciplinary artist, producer, curator and Dj.

General Manager

Allie Stapleton

Allie Stapleton is an arts administrator with over 15 years’ experience in the arts and culture industries in Australia and the UK.

Senior Producer

Bernadette Fitzgerald

With an extensive background in community theatre, contemporary dance, education and arts management, Bernadette has worked both as a performer in and administrator of community-based art projects.

Venue Services Coordinator & Associate Producer

Claudia Spelman

Claudia is a highly experienced arts and events professional with a deep commitment to community-led cultural practice.

CEO Artistic Director

Daniel Santangeli

Daniel Santangeli is a social impact and creative industries leader.

Facilities Officer

Iryani Amaran

Iryani has a background in Civil Engineering from National University of Singapore.

Schools Program Producer

Jade Backhouse-Walker

Jade is passionate about creativity and arts-led practice as an essential foundation for self-expression.

Finance & Payroll Manager

Jason Tran

Jason is a certified Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) with a background in professional practice.

Marketing Campaign Coordinator

Jeevika Rajagopal

Jeevika is a multimedia & communications specialist and video/projection artist who uses digital storytelling to explore identity and belonging.

IT Coordinator

Josh Tencic

Josh comes from a background of musical performance and production releasing under the artist name Josh Ten, in addition to their Software Engineering qualification from RMIT.

Venue and Operations Manager

Lily Arnold

Lily is an events & operations manager and singer with a background in social policy.

Indigenous Cultural Program Manager

Naomi Oakley

Naomi (Gamilaroi) is a musician and specialist in Indigenous education, focusing on mentoring, scholarships, facilitation, training, and events.

Marketing & Engagement Manager

Nishika De Silva

Nishika is a human-centred & social impact–focused strategist with a unique experiences across the public sector, corporates, NGOs, retail, and the arts.

Production Manager (Artistic)

Reuben Cummings

Reuben Cumming is an artist, technician and production manager living and working on Wurundjeri Country.