Acclaimed curator, writer and advocate Clothilde Bullen has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her longtime services to Indigenous arts.
Bullen, who is the current manager of Edith Cowan University's Art, Culture and Collections, has spent her career championing the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers and advocating for their inclusion, development, and representation across the arts sector.
Since joining Edith Cowan University (ECU), Bullen has been instrumental in shaping the University's cultural identity, finalising the Cultural Narrative strategy and framework as Lead, Cultural Strategy and Development before transitioning to her current role.
Bullen has an impressive career history including pivotal roles as Senior Curator and Head of Indigenous Programs and Initiatives at the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA), as well as the inaugural Senior Curator of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.
The Wardandi (Nyoongar) and Badimaya (Yamatji) woman said her success would not have been possible without the creatives who assisted her along the way.
"Receiving an Order of Australia Medal, for someone like myself who prefers to remain behind the scenes, always putting artists first, is humbling, but also speaks to the work of those who paved the way in our sector and those who collectively strive in making contributions in the arts, without whom I wouldn't be here," she said.
"There is no greater communal effort than Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers who have for decades used the arts as a tool for change, to challenge and represent and to bring joy.
"At ECU, I've been fortunate to work alongside people who share my commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives at the core of cultural and creative practices."
Beyond her institutional roles, Bullen has made significant strides as an independent curator, writer, and advocate, with a strong focus on succession planning and capacity building in the Indigenous arts landscape.
Her leadership extends to numerous high-profile boards and initiatives, including her current role as Chair of the Board for the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA).
With a mission to continually support greater resprentation, Bullen is continuing to drive cultural and creative excellence, shaping programs and initiatives that celebrate diversity and elevate Indigenous artistry.
Her leadership also strives to ensure that ECU remains at the forefront of fostering cultural capability and inclusivity, by embedding a framework of Indigenous ways of learning and working into facets of university life.
ECU's deputy vice-chancellor (Students, Equity and Indigenous) Professor Braden Hill congratulated Bullen on her recent achievement.
"Clo's profound impact on the arts and her tireless advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists are truly inspiring," he said.
"This medal not only honours her outstanding contributions to the arts but also highlights the importance of her work in shaping a more inclusive and representative arts landscape in Australia. We are very proud to have her part of the ECU community."
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