MsNicole Beyer

Nicole Beyer (GAICD) is a highly respected arts leader, with a celebrated track record of developing the sector, and training and empowering the next generations of arts leaders. Nicole is a champion for equity and justice for First Nations people, people of colour, d/Deaf and Disabled people.

Nicole has over 20 years in the CEO role of four not- for-profit organisations, and has worked in social and health policy in two local government municipalities. Nicole has influenced public policy – cultural, social and public health – at federal, state and local government levels. 

Nicole has had a career-long engagement with universities: guest lecturing, contributing on course advisory boards, and co-designing and delivering university-industry collaborative projects and forums. Across her professional roles, Nicole has led research projects that have provided compelling evidence for policy, advocacy campaigns and data-driven sector development programs.

In her most recent role, as founding Executive Director of Theatre Network Australia (TNA), from 2009 to 2024, Nicole was instrumental in building a stronger and more integrated arts and cultural industry across Australia. In 2017 she received the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Facilitator’s Prize for outstanding sector leadership and advocacy.

Nicole has advised the Victorian government on cultural policy through her role on the Creative Industries Minister’s inaugural Creative State Advisory Board. In addition, Nicole led the national arts industry through her role as Convenor of ArtsPeak, the confederation of 37 national arts peak bodies.

Nicole’s previous CEO positions include Back To Back Theatre and Arts Access Victoria. 

Nicole has served on the boards of nine cultural organisations, and has been Ministerially appointed to three Advisory Boards/Committees for the Victorian government. She has been Chair or Convenor for six of the above.

Nicole is currently a proud member of the board of Terrapin Theatre in Tasmania. She has a Master of Public Policy and Management (Monash) and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.