aboutus
The Ideas Distillery works with you to make your ideas a reality through arts-led innovation. We offer the following services:
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Mentoring for artists, artsworkers, creative businesses and arts organisations
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Concept Development
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Project Management
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Industry Training and Workshops
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Business and Strategic Planning for the Arts Sector
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Arts-related Policies and Plans for Local Government
We are a team of two staff and many contracted artists and artsworkers. We can tailor a team to meet your objectives.
Call us to talk through your needs and ideas!
Image: Makers' Shopfront Forum 2021, Bundaberg
meettheteam
Shelley Pisani
Artistic Director
My name is Shelley Pisani, the owner and Creative Producer of The Ideas Distillery, specialising in arts-led innovation.
I have 26 years of experience in the arts industry from studio artist to gallery director, curator, consultant and founding director of non-for-profit organisation Creative Regions Ltd.
I specialise in producing projects in the areas of visual arts and design, public art, place activation, multiarts, festivals and events. My background and qualifications in arts management have lead to mentoring regional artists and leading industry skill development. I have also played a strong role in local government arts and cultural policy and strategy development and led a number of significant arts sector funded initiatives.
I am so grateful to have a career that allows me to be a practicing artist whilst supporting communities and other artists to reach their full potential through the arts.
Image: Acknowledgement of Taylor Klaasen's artwork
Katie Whyte
Associate Producer
My name is Katie Whyte, and I am a practicing visual artist and an Associate Producer for the Ideas Distillery.
As an arts worker, I am passionate about research and producing workshops and events to promote strategic thinking amongst visual artists. I have a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours) from the University of Southern Queensland and a Certificate III in Library and Information Services. I draw from my own experience as an artist to inspire others to utilize their resources and work together to explore collaboration and product potential in their arts practice.
As an artist I am most known for my experimental colours and forms, and large-scale brand collaborations with companies such as WeWork and Jericho Road Clothing. My work has also been commissioned by the First Coat Festival, Toowoomba Regional Council and the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Ainsley Gatley
Director, Event Networx - Contractor
Event Networx was established in 2007 and over the past 14 years has delivered a range of corporate and community events including Crush Festival, Business Excellence Awards, Next Gen Conference, Agrotrend and Australia Day community celebrations.
Ainsley Gatley, Director has a Masters in Convention and Event Management and her wealth of experience in a large range of events and contacts within the industry takes all the guesswork and stress out of your events. We are glad to have Ainsley as a regular member of our team from 2021.