Executive Officer | Staff - Birra-li Ward

Birra-li Ward the Executive Officer of Art Education Victoria brings more than 20 years of experience as a visual arts educator, arts leader and passionate advocate for creativity, inclusion and the transformative power of arts education.

Prior to joining Art Education Victoria, Birra-li was Learning Area Leader of the Arts at Frankston High School and previously Head of Visual Arts at Woodleigh School. Her extensive teaching and leadership experience spans kindergarten, primary and secondary education across government, Catholic and independent schools in Australia and internationally. Throughout her career, she has led curriculum innovation, multidisciplinary teams and collaborative learning initiatives that strengthen student engagement, creative thinking and artistic expression.

Birra-li has made significant contributions to curriculum development, assessment and teacher professional learning through her work with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). She is also co-author of Making and Responding: A Visual Arts Teacher’s Handbook, a national resource supporting visual arts educators.

Birra-li’s professional achievements include selection for the Victorian Academy of Teaching’s Innovation Project and Teaching Excellence programs, the Independent Schools Victoria Teacher Fellowship Program and two scholarships to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. In 2019, she was selected as an Art21 Educator, undertaking study at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is a member of the Contemporary Art Educators Coalition. In 2026, she received the Jeff Northfield Memorial Award for Excellence in Teacher Research through Monash University.

Beyond formal education, Birra-li has worked extensively in community arts, developing inclusive and collaborative projects that amplify diverse voices and use creativity as a powerful tool for advocacy, cultural connection and social change.

As Executive Officer, Birra-li sees Art Education Victoria as an essential professional community that connects, supports and champions visual arts educators. She is committed to elevating teacher expertise, fostering professional dialogue, collaboration and innovation, and strengthening the organisation’s influence and advocacy. Above all, she is passionate about ensuring visual arts education is recognised, valued and celebrated as an essential part of a rich, inclusive and meaningful education for every young person.