Arts Funders Peer Network (Q1 2026)

Elaine Chia - Chief Executive Officer, Naomi Milgrom Foundation

Elaine Chia is the CEO of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which champions art, design and architecture that improves Australian lives. Operating on a public-private partnership model, the Foundation collaborates with government entities, public and educational institutions and industry partners to deliver flagship initiatives including MPavilion, Living Cities Forum, and the Richmond Power Station renewal project.

Elaine has led arts festivals, international tours and cultural infrastructure projects. Notable among her past roles are Executive Director at the Adelaide Festival, CEO at Sydney’s City Recital Hall and Director, International Signature Projects at the Australia Council for the Arts where she spearheaded the Australian Pavilion redevelopment in Venice, Italy, the first 21^st century building in Venice.

As a jack of all trades Elaine actively cultivates collaboration and pooling of diverse talents and perspectives, at times unpredictable and risky, but when it works brings astonishingly powerful outcomes.

Paul Conroy - Chief Executive Officer, The Ian Potter Foundation

Paul commenced as CEO of The Ian Potter Foundation in March 2023. Paul holds Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law (Hons) degrees from the University of Melbourne and has extensive experience in both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. 

Paul's experience includes practising as a corporate lawyer in Australia, Asia, and the UK, including serving as Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary of Foster's Group Limited and Treasury Wine Estates Limited. Paul has also held executive and chief executive roles in various companies, both public and private, in Australia and the United States. 

Prior to joining the Foundation, Paul was the Chief Executive Officer of FareShare, a volunteer-led organisation that transforms food rescue into nutritious meals for people in need. He has also served as Chairman of the Summer Foundation, an organisation focused on stopping young people with disability from being forced into residential aged care and ensuring they have access to the support required to be in control of where, how and with whom they live. Paul is also CEO of The Ian Potter Cultural Trust and The George Alexander Foundation

Penny Miles - Executive Director, Betty Amsden Foundation

Penny Miles’ career spans 30 years working across the arts industry and all tiers of government, specialising in funding, sector development, and strategic reform. She has held senior roles with the Australia Council for the Arts and NSW Government, leading major performing arts portfolios, national visual and performing arts touring programs, Festivals Australia, and the design of funding programs across cultural, emergency, sport, and community cohesion portfolios. 

Penny is currently part-time Executive Director of the Betty Amsden Foundation, a Board Director of BlakDance, and a Senior Associate with a boutique arts consultancy working with state institutions, the arts and culture sector and government to strengthen the impact of public investment, policy and practice.

Anna Nieuwenhuysen – Grant Manager, Besen Family Foundation

Anna Nieuwenhuysen is the Program Manager at the Besen Family Foundation. She leads the Foundation’s Arts & Culture Program, which supports independent artists and institutions across a diverse range of art forms including, dance, theatre, music, visual arts and community cultural development.

Louise Joel – Arts Program Manager, The Ian Potter Foundation

Louise Joel is the Arts Program Manager responsible for The Ian Potter Foundation’s Vibrant funding pillar, including The Ian Potter Cultural Trust, The Ian Potter Moving Image Commission, and the Foundation’s Arts program area. 

Louise holds a Bachelor of Arts (Art History) from The University of Melbourne, a Master’s degree in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, Manchester University (Singapore), and a Masters of Business Administration from The Australian Institute of Business.

Prior to joining the Ian Potter Foundation in July 2022, Louise had worked for private galleries, auction houses, large public museums, in the government sector, and as an independent specialist arts business consultant.

Kim Harland - Senior Director of Engagement (QLD & NT), Philanthropy Australia

Kim Harland is a strategic leader with expertise in philanthropy, stakeholder engagement, and business development in the for-purpose sector. As Director, Engagement (QLD/NT) at Philanthropy Australia, she plays a key role in strengthening member engagement, fostering partnerships, and driving impact across the philanthropic landscape.

With over 20 years of experience spanning multi-generational family business and the not-for-profit sector, Kim has a track record in growing engagement, enhancing brand visibility, and optimising operations. She is passionate about building strong, connected communities and supporting the philanthropic visions of individuals and organisations in Queensland and the Northern Territory. 

Kim leads our Arts Funders Peer Network and is on the board of Rosies – Friends on the Street, a charity providing support and acceptance to individuals experiencing homelessness.