Barstool Conversations: arts leadership beyond the city

Crimson Rosella opens its 2026 Barstool Conversation series at the Headland Theatre, Tathra Hotel, with an insightful discussion on arts leadership in the Bega Valley.

Join Gabrielle Rose (Fling Physical Theatre), Leigh Small (Four Winds) and Janice Falsone (South East Centre for Contemporary Arts) for an informal, in-depth conversation about the organisations they lead, their professional journeys and the realities of making and presenting ambitious cultural work in a regional setting.

From building audiences and supporting artists to responding to place, community and change, this first Barstool Conversation of the year, facilitated by Eddie Williams from ABC South East, offers a rare chance to hear directly from three women shaping the cultural life of the region — speaking openly about practice, leadership and the future of arts and culture beyond the city.

Presented in the Headland Theatre, this is a relaxed, after-hours conversation with space for reflection, exchange and audience questions.

Gabrielle Rose is the Executive Director of FLING, following her tenure as Co Artistic Director with Rob McCredie since 2016. Her leadership is guided by a desire to create innovative, relevant and inspiring work, that supports artists in all stages of their career, enabling FLING to become a regional hub for independent dance. Gabrielle holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Performance Creation (Choreography) from the Victorian College of the Arts, a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Education (Dance and Theatre Studies) from the University of New South Wales and was a participant in the Solo Performance Residency at Victoria University. In Australia, UK and Europe Gabrielle has presented her own choreographic work, facilitated learning and making processes, performed, and produced events that served as a platform for other artists.

Leigh Small brings over 25 years of leadership in Australia’s premier performing arts organisations to her role as Executive Director of Four Winds, a position she has held since June 2023. Leigh’s career includes executive roles at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Theatre Company, and a decade as Executive Director of the Sydney Dance Company. She also served as CEO of the Sydney Film Festival, 2010-2022 through a period of substantial growth. Leigh was chair of Red Line Productions at The Old Fitz 2014-2020. As a member of the Four Winds board, Leigh contributes her wealth of expertise and passion for connecting audiences with powerful shared experiences through music and performance.

Janice Falsone is the Gallery Director at the South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA) in Bega, and brings to the role a deep passion for contemporary visual art along with considerable experience in managing galleries and arts organisations. Janice was previously Director at Canberra Contemporary, Kamberri/Canberra’s leading contemporary visual arts organisation (2022-2025), as well as the Director of PhotoAccess and Manager of the Manuka Arts Centre at a time of significant change (2014-2018). She was also Gallery Manager at Australian National Capital Artists (ANCA), and Program Manager at M16 Artspace. Janice also has experience in private sector support for the arts, having worked at the Australia Business Arts Foundation and as National Partnerships Officer at the Australian Institute of Architects.

Date: Wednesday 18 March, 7:00pm

Tickets: FREE - but registration required