News

Footscray Community Arts is proud to announce the appointment of two exceptional individuals to its senior leadership team, ushering in fresh creativity and inclusivity. Allie Stapleton has taken on the role of General Manager, while Asha Bee Abraham assumes the position of Artistic Program Manager. These appointments mark a significant step toward enhancing leadership representation within the arts industry, aligning with our commitment in supporting the communities we are led by. 

In an industry where leadership opportunities have historically been limited for members of the communities we centre and prioritise; First Nations, people of colour, people from diaspora communities, people who have lived experience of Disability, d/Deaf people, and people from the LGBTIQA+ community, Footscray Community Arts is taking an important step forward.  

“It’s a great pleasure to welcome both Allie and Asha into their new roles, as we build the capability of our organisation to be truly representative of the communities we work with.” Bec Cole, Co-CEO and Executive Director says.

“Working at Footscray Community Arts is a unique experience with plenty of scope to make a positive and lasting impact on the cultural landscape. I am thrilled to welcome two outstanding arts leaders who are representative of our communities to continue their career trajectory with us.” 

Meet Allie Stapleton: General Manager 

Allie Stapleton brings over 15 years of experience in the arts and culture industries, both in Australia and the UK, to her role as General Manager. Her journey began in independent theatre as a director and writer before transitioning to frontline management in ticketing and front-of-house operations. Allie has worked with a wide array of organisations, including commercial theatre companies, not-for-profits, museums, and festivals. She completed an MBA at Melbourne Business School and most recently served as the Company Administrator at Malthouse Theatre. 

Allie identifies as a proud disabled, queer woman and is deeply passionate about people and culture development, fostering new work, and advancing equity and accessibility in the Australian arts and cultural industries. Beyond the theatre, she enjoys tending to her garden and bushwalking with her dog Benny. 

Meet Asha Bee Abraham: Artistic Program Manager 

Asha Bee Abraham brings a unique blend of artistic prowess and a background in human ecology to her role as Artistic Program Manager. She firmly believes in the transformative power of community and the arts in addressing critical social and ecological issues. Asha is a participant in Theatre Network Australia’s LeaderShift Program, a board member of The ArtsPay Foundation, and serves on the Darebin Arts & Heritage Advisory Panel. 

As an artist, Asha’s previous projects have graced prestigious platforms such as Arts House (Melbourne), Fremantle Festival, National Museum of Singapore, and Zentrum für Kunst und Urbanistik (Berlin). Before venturing into the arts, Asha worked in the sustainability sector, gaining valuable experience at organisations like City of Melbourne and Moreland Energy Foundation. She also pursued her MSc in Human Ecology in the UK. 

With Allie Stapleton and Asha Bee Abraham at the helm, Footscray Community Arts is poised to lead in arts diversity, reflecting the rich tapestry of our surrounding communities. Their wealth of experience, unique backgrounds, and unwavering commitment to arts inclusivity promise a bright future for us and the broader industry. 

As a current employee at Footscray Community Arts, Asha commenced in her role Monday 4 September, with Allie starting on Wednesday 13 September. 

These positions have been generously supported through a collaboration with the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation, Australia’s leading independent community foundation.