Dr Judith Mclean

Judith McLean is an acknowledged Australian cultural leader working on the lands of the Yuggara and Turrabal peoples and pays her respect to ‘everywhen’, the First Nations concept recognising ‘yesterday today and tomorrow’ as existing and overlapping realities. McLean has held senior appointments across the arts and creative industries, tourism and events, community services, the health industry, and the not-for-profit sector. She currently works as an advisor to state and regional governments, arts and cultural organisations, and coaches emerging and experienced leaders. 

McLean Chairs the dynamic and inspiring Dancenorth, a contemporary centre for dance making, collaboration and artistic exchange, based on the lands of the Wulgurukaba of Gurambilbarra and Yunbenun, and the Bindal of Thul Garrie Waja. Her championing of quality arts experiences in regional Australia is testament to a belief that community and culture are intricately connected and enmeshed in place, and when authentic highly exportable nationally and internationally. 

Significant former roles include inaugural Professor of Arts Education (QUT) and Scholar In Residence at (QPAC). The unique role was created to inspire and build points of connection in arts learning within arts and non-arts communities across Australia and internationally. McLean was a Board Director of The International Teaching Artists and co-led the Australia Council’s Senior Leaders’ Program, (2010- 2022) an initiative building individual and organisational capacity across the Indo Pacific. As a cultural leader, Judith has a clear vision that societal health and vibrancy depend upon the strength of public voices. Her belief is that arts and culture are powerful vehicles offering communities opportunities to experience, and debate values and behaviours that underpin civil societies. Through her passion and clear communication style, Judith inspires stakeholders to be a part of building a vision of a humane and a more equitable society . Her previous Board responsibilities have included: Company Director, Major Performing Arts (MPA) Panel Australia Council (2018-2020) ; Chair Dancenorth (2018 -); Queensland Tourism and Events (2009- 2018); Company Director, Asia Pacific Screen Awards (ASPA) (2009- 2012); Inaugural Chair Major Brisbane Festival (2003-2007); Chair, Queensland Theatre Company (2000-2003); Judith work as a coach is accredited in The Leadership Circle (TLC) Profile Certification.