Celebrating Clothilde Bullen on receiving an Order of Australia Medal (OAM)
Media Release
Media Release
NAVA is delighted to celebrate our Chair, Clothilde Bullen, who has been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for Services to the Arts, specifically Indigenous Art.
Clothilde's approach to leadership and advocacy is deeply rooted in intentionality, particularly in the discourse surrounding First Nations arts and the broader arts sector. Her work exemplifies the significance of meaningful relationship-building, ethical practice, and commitment to capacity-building and sustainable pathways. As a mentor and advocate, Clothilde fosters opportunities for early career artists and arts workers, champions equity and representation, and ensures that cultural safety remains central to her practice.
Clothilde’s ability to nurture connections while advancing transformative initiatives has significantly strengthened the sector and inspired countless individuals and communities. Her insights, perspectives, and contributions are integral to NAVA’s work and we are deeply grateful for her guidance.
Clothilde Bullen is a Wardandi (Nyoongar) and Badimaya (Yamatji) Aboriginal woman. She is currently the Manager Art, Culture and Collections at Edith Cowan University, after developing a university-endorsed Cultural Narrative strategy and framework in the role of Lead, Cultural Strategy and Development. Previously, Clothilde was the Curator and Head of Indigenous Programs at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA), the inaugural Senior Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) and prior to that, the Curator of Indigenous Art at AGWA for over a decade.
Her recent curatorial work includes Yhonnie Scarce: The Light of Day (2024) and BlakLight (2022) at AGWA, Richard Bell: You Can Go Now (2021), and co-curated the award-winning John Mawurndjul: I am the old and the new (2018), and The National: New Australian Art (2019) at the MCA. Clothilde was a founding committee member for the Wesfarmers and National Gallery Arts Leadership Program, supporting the next generation of arts leaders, and was selected for the British Council Accelerate Program for Indigenous Leadership in the Arts in 2014. She was the Co-editor of the June 2018 Black Edition of Artlink magazine, amplifying Indigenous voices in arts journalism, and her advocacy continues through her position as the current co-Chair of Indigenous Voices, a mentorship program in conjunction with Art Monthly Australasia to increase First Nations critical arts writing. Clothilde has also held Board and committee memberships with the Fremantle Biennale, Create NSW Artform Advisory Museums and Histories Board, and the International Association of Art Critics – Australian division.
As Chair of NAVA, Clothilde has been a driving force in steering the organisation’s vision and direction. Her leadership was instrumental in the development of NAVA's First Nations Policy 2024-2029, a comprehensive framework dedicated to enhancing cultural safety, building an empowered First Nations workforce within NAVA, and strengthening engagement with First Nations artists, arts workers, and organisations.
Clothilde's influence extends far beyond NAVA, inspiring and empowering many across the arts community. We are honoured to work alongside such a transformative leader and mentor.
Congratulations, Clothilde, on this well-deserved recognition.
Photo courtesy of ECU.
ID: Portrait of Clothilde Bullen standing confidently with her arms crossed. She is wearing a black top and is positioned near a window. The background is simple and neutral.