The Inner West Creative Network (IWCN) is entering a new era under the leadership of Michelle St Anne, its newly appointed Chair and the Artistic Director of The Living Room Theatre. With a deep connection to the Inner West’s vibrant artistic community, Michelle brings years of experience from her previous roles within IWCN as a Committee Member and Administrator. Her vision is clear: to build a strong organisational framework that nurtures creativity, fosters collaboration, and amplifies the voices of local artists. Under her leadership, IWCN is poised to grow into a thriving hub for artistic excellence and community connection.

For me, the Inner West is much more than a geographic area—it’s a living, breathing creative heartbeat. The energy here is unmatched; it’s a melting pot of ideas, artistry, and innovation. My vision as Chair is clear: I want to channel that energy, build a strong framework, and create meaningful opportunities for the incredible artists and creatives who provide a unique quality of life to this community. 
Focusing on a Strong Foundation
As IWCN continues to grow, I believe it’s crucial to refine and focus our efforts. Growth brings opportunities, but it also demands clarity. By narrowing our scope, I believe we can deepen our impact and truly amplify the voices that matter most. 
To me, this means creating initiatives and programs that align with three core pillars: Practice, Equity, and Connection. My priority is to foster artistic rigour and professional excellence. Creativity is at the heart of everything we do, but celebrating art isn’t enough—we need to nurture and challenge it. This isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing better. 
Building Community Through Collaboration
Collaboration has always been at the centre of my practice, and I’ve seen the power it holds. Artists thrive when they feel supported, valued, and connected. My aim is to make IWCN a place where creatives from all disciplines can come together, share ideas, and support one another. 
This means fostering relationships not just among artists but also with local businesses, government bodies, and the wider community. Whether it’s through networking events, collaborative projects, or mentorship opportunities, I want IWCN to be the bridge that connects these stakeholders. 
But community isn’t just built through events—it’s built by listening. Every artist in our network has a story, a need, and a vision. As Chair, I see it as my role to ensure those voices are heard and reflected in everything we do.
Elevating Inner West Creatives
One of my greatest passions is championing the extraordinary talent that thrives in the Inner West. This area is filled with artists who bring vibrancy and life to our streets, stages, and spaces. But talent needs visibility, and visibility requires advocacy. 
Through IWCN, I want to amplify the voices of our local creatives—whether through events, our digital library, or dedicated marketing campaigns. My hope is to not only boost their careers but also position the Inner West as a cultural epicentre.
Equity is a key focus for me in this role. Art should be accessible to everyone. As an organisation, I believe we must work to break down the barriers—financial, cultural, or systemic—that hinder inclusion and participation. 

Looking Ahead
This is an exciting time for IWCN, and I’m eager to lay the groundwork for its future. One of my immediate goals is to improve our digital presence. An upgraded website isn’t just a technical update—it’s a lifeline for our members. It’s where they connect, access resources, and find opportunities, so it needs to be seamless and engaging.
In the long term, my focus is on building sustainable partnerships, growing our membership, and securing sponsorships that align with our mission. But for me, success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the experiences we help shape. Those are the moments I want IWCN to be remembered for. 
Creativity is rarely linear; it’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal. 
Leading With Artistic Integrity
As someone who wears two hats—as Chair and Artistic Director—I bring with me a commitment to artistic integrity. My work with The Living Room Theatre has taught me to honour the process as much as the outcome. Creativity is rarely linear; it’s messy, unpredictable, and deeply personal. As a leader, I aim to create spaces where that process is respected, nurtured, and celebrated. 
At the heart of my leadership style is collaboration. IWCN isn’t about me—it’s about us. Together, we have the power to shape the future of the Inner West’s creative landscape. 
Join Me on This Journey
This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for IWCN. Whether you’re an artist, a business owner, or someone who loves the arts, there’s a place for you in this network. IWCN is more than an organisation—it’s a movement. 
I invite you to join me on this journey as we grow, connect, and create together. Let’s elevate the incredible talent of the Inner West and make lasting, meaningful change—one story, one connection, one artist at a time.
kindest,
Michelle St Anne 
Chair, Inner West Creative Network

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Preface: Priyanka Smithfield

Lead Image: by Shane Rozario
Inset: Hayley Chan in 'She' (Nat Cartney)