About SAPA

Formed in 2013, SAPA is a state association representing South Australian performing arts presenters. SAPA develops and maintains networks in the performing arts industry and supports and assist members with programming within their venue.

As a support mechanism SAPA looks to increase the professionalism of the management and operation of South Australian performing arts venues and fosters cultural leadership across the state.

Being part of a larger association enables the development of collaborative approaches and builds strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, promoting the value and needs of members to Local and State Governments.

Meet our Committee

Sussan Baldwin

Sussan Baldwin

SAPA CHAIRPERSON

Sussan Baldwin is a highly experienced arts leader with broad arts industry experience which includes Work Health and Safety, Community and Audience Development, Managing Venue Operations, Event Management and Arts Programming.

She currently manages the Hopgood Theatre in Noarlunga and oversees Country Arts SA’s four regional venues in her role as Art Centres Leader.

Sussan is the Chair of the Department of Premier and Cabinet WHS Coordinating Committee for the Arts sector.

She was the venue management consultant for the 2010 Regional Centre of Culture in Murray Bridge and the 2012 Regional Centre of Culture in Goolwa. In this capacity she oversaw the setup of the Murray Bridge Town Hall and Centenary Hall as performing arts venues.

Prior to working in Adelaide, Sussan managed the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in Mount Gambier.

Sussan is also the Chair of Activate Ramsay Place, an Onkaparinga Council initiative charged with invigorating the unique public space located between the Hopgood Theatre,   City of Onkaparinga Noarlunga Council Office and Colonnades Shopping Centre.

committee-louisa-norman

Louisa Norman

COMMITTEE

Louisa has worked as a theatre producer and programmer for the past 15 years in a wide range of contexts from London’s West End to women’s prisons. Since 2013 she has worked for Country Arts South Australia producing and programming across a variety of regional communities and art forms across the state. Since 2015 she has been a Helpmann Awards panel member.

Prior to relocating to Australia, Louisa worked as a producer in the UK for some of the UK’s leading theatre companies and venues including Headlong Theatre, Clean Break and Soho Theatre in London. Between 2007-10 she worked as General Manager at Clean Break theatre company producing shows at Soho Theatre, Arcola Theatre, London International Festival of Theatre & in women’s prisons in UK.

In 2009 she was a recipient of the Rupert Rhymes Bursary which she used to tour a new Palestinian play to refugee camps in the West Bank.

Between 2005-7 she worked for Ladder to the Moon producing pioneering interactive theatre residencies in hospitals & care homes in London.

From 2007- 12 Louisa ran Stellar Network, connecting professionals in theatre, film and tv industries into cross platform projects.

She studied at University of Wales, University of Montana USA, Trinity College Dublin and recently completed a Masters in Cultural Leadership at NIDA.

She is passionate that the arts offer a powerful tool for social change.

Matthew Button

Matthew Button

COMMITTEE

Matthew Button currently works for the Rural City of Murray Bridge as the Venue Coordinator at the Murray Bridge Town Hall Theatre.

Matthew has always had a passion for the performing arts and after studying as a performer he began his career in the industry on stage as a freelance musician and instrumental teacher. His interest in the technical aspects of production led him to pursue work in the sound and lighting field as a freelance technician.

In 2014, Matthew took up the position as full time theatre technician at Murray Bridge and in recent years undertaking the role of Venue Coordinator.

As well as being a committee member of the South Australian Presenters Association, Matthew is also a sitting committee member for Out of the Square.

Along with interests in music and production, Matthew is passionate about his community and the opportunities for arts development within his Town and the Region.