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The Tripe Club of Victoria is delighted to present Karen Quinlan AM, the CEO of Arts Centre Melbourne, and who is recognized both within Australia and globally, as an outstanding leader in the creative industries.

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The thrust of Ms Quinlan’s presentation draws on her wealth of experience and expertize in a series of high profile leadership roles over the last 25yrs. in the visual and now the performing arts. This impressive background aims to highlight a number of transformative impacts Karen has had on the creative arts that will both entertain and inspire her listeners. For instance, over an 18yr period as Director of the Bendigo Art Gallery, she was recognized for her major role in driving an exponential growth in “cultural tourism” and the visitor-economy in Central Victoria.

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In addition to her position at the Arts Centre, Karen is an Adjunct Professor, La Trobe University and has also served as the inaugural Director of the La Trobe Arts Institute during its foundational years. With a reputation for innovation and fresh thinking, it was only natural that over her four years at the National Portrait Gallery (Canberra) she should have shepherded it through a period of marked change thereby, extending its reach and profile nationally and internationally.

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The significance of Karen’s many contributions to Australia’s creative industries and education was recognized by the Order of Australia she was awarded in 2019.