Executive Officer | Staff - Lena Cirillo

Executive Officer | Art Education Victoria

Lena Cirillo is the Executive Officer of Art Education Victoria, an artist, qualified teacher and speaker. She is a facilitator/mentor/coach and is a consultant for various organisations and institutions, including the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. Lena has presented at conferences and special events, and delivers leadership, art and education development workshops to the corporate sector, in galleries, schools and with teachers.  

Lena has led as the CEO, the culture of focused, productive and creative arts and non-profit organisations over the past twenty-five years. Her work includes strategic initiatives, community development and facilitating creative work for children, young people, people with disability and specific communities such as new immigrants, the Italian community and the LGBTIQ+ community. Lena has an excellent understanding of the education sector and how non-profit organisations operate and the complexity of working with diverse stakeholders in various contexts.

Lena’s past roles include being the Executive Director/CEO of Arts Project Australia gallery and studios, Polyglot Theatre, Westside Circus, and the Lygon Street Festa. Lena has worked for organisations in senior arts management roles with the Shire of Yarra Ranges and the Performing Arts Precinct at Monash University. Lena was the Vic/Tas State Manager for Make-A-Wish Australia focusing on fundraising, through major events and cause related marketing via corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Lena has contributed to a number of non-profit organisation Boards and committees including being the Chair of the Women’s Gallery (feminist framework collective) in the 1990’s, the Vice-President and Performing Arts Director of Midsumma Festival, the Chair of Melbourne Workers Theatre and a member of the Cultural Arts Advisory Board for the City of Melbourne. Lena is currently a committee member on the School of Art Industry Advisory Committee (SIAC) for RMIT University and a Committee of Management member of the Professional Teachers Association of Victoria (CPTAV). Lena is an ardent supporter of the visual arts and making a difference through fostering creativity as a fundamental experience and tool in our everyday lives.

Lena is an alumnus from the 2007 Williamson Leadership Program awarded by Leadership Victoria and in 2018 was employed as their Strategic Projects Manager and is often asked to speak on leadership panels. Lena has completed a Master of Teaching and a Bachelor of Fine Arts at RMIT University as well as a Graduate Diploma of Arts Management at the University of Melbourne/VCA. Lena is a qualified teacher (VIT registration current), a supporter of research for the progression of art education and an advocate for the art education sector and the arts.

Lena is passionate about the visual arts and performing arts learner and teacher identities. She is excited about leading the vision and operations of Art Education Victoria to make a difference to our vibrant, interconnected learning community that supports and enhances creativity and participation in the visual arts.