Suzanne Kalk
Fryerstown,Australia
Summary
Community arts leader with over 20 years’ experience designing and delivering Community Cultural Development (CCD) projects, festivals, and creative programs across urban and regional Australia. Skilled in engaging diverse communities through participatory arts, food, and storytelling. Proven record collaborating with councils, artists, and community organisations to foster social connection, resilience, and cultural identity. Experienced in project management, volunteer coordination, programming, and cross-sector partnerships, with a strong commitment to social justice and inclusive practice.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volunteer Workshop Team Leader – Program Quality & Impact
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Melbourne
01.2024 - Current
- Designed and implemented creative engagement programs fostering social connection through arts and games.
- Lead and mentor volunteer teams to deliver high-quality member workshops.
- Support program evaluation and continuous improvement in line with community needs.
Support Worker (NDIS)
Mable & Independent
01.2024 - Current
- Provide person-centred support promoting wellbeing, independence, and community inclusion.
Founder & Creative Director
The Village World Kitchen
01.2014 - Current
- Developed a mobile kitchen and performance space celebrating diverse cultural food stories.
- Co-created events with local cooks and communities across Victoria and interstate.
- Delivered engaging, culturally safe, and inclusive food-based participation projects.
Community Arts & Events Programmer / Manager
01.2012 - Current
- Delivered community arts projects focused on cultural inclusion, youth resilience, and mental health.
- Collaborated with The Royal Children’s Hospital, BAHN Richmond, Barkly Arts, and Multicultural Arts Victoria.
- Led CCD events including Moon Lantern Festival, The Village Winter Festival, and Festival for Healthy Living.
Co-Founder & Artistic Director / Producer
The Village Festival
01.2004 - Current
- Company Overview: travelling arts festival
- Co-founded Australia’s only travelling arts festival, delivering 60+ events across Victoria, ACT, NT, and QLD.
- Produced major CCD projects including Village World Kitchen, The Fire Garden, and Our Village.
- Managed budgets, WHS, permits, compliance, schedules, and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Partnered with councils, arts organisations, and community groups to deliver inclusive programs.
- Engaged thousands of artists and participants through participatory and culturally diverse events.
- Travelling arts festival
Food Security & Community Engagement Roles
01.2004 - Current
- Coordinated food education and catering at arts and community events.
- Supported regional food networks through participatory cooking and storytelling projects.
Educator – Theatre & Design
University of Ballarat
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Company Overview: TAFE
- Delivered Cert IV & Diploma courses in theatre design, puppetry, and event management.
- Facilitated arts workshops with schools, youth, and community groups across Australia and internationally.
- TAFE
Education
Diploma of Community Services -
Victoria University
12.2025
Professional Development - NEIS Business Program, MILKE Producer Bootcamp
12.2020
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment -
Ballarat TAFE
12.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
St Joost Kunst Academie
NetherlandsSkills
- Initiating & leading CCD projects
- Artist & community engagement
- Project & event management
- Volunteer & team leadership
- Local government & cross-sector collaboration
- Strong interpersonal & communication skills
- Stakeholder relationship building
Certification
- First Aid (Level 2)
- Mental Health First Aid
- Food Handling Certificate
- Working with Children Check
- Victorian Driver’s Licence
- North Richmond Community Leadership Program (2021)
References
- Tia Di Biase, Senior Strategist, Service Design & Innovation, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, 0408 804 538, tia.d@asrc.org.au
- Jamaica Barrientos, Community Strengthening Officer, Wyndham City, 0433 511 483, jamaica.barrientos@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Community Service And Volunteer Work
- Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, 01/01/24, Present, Designed and led creative programs; coordinated volunteer teams.
- Bendigo Foodshare & Growing Abundance, 01/01/10, 01/01/21, Food security and community education initiatives.
- Longstanding board and committee roles in community arts organisations; former artist with Snuff Puppets.
Timeline
Volunteer Workshop Team Leader – Program Quality & Impact
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
01.2024 - Current
Support Worker (NDIS)
Mable & Independent
01.2024 - Current
Founder & Creative Director
The Village World Kitchen
01.2014 - Current
Community Arts & Events Programmer / Manager
01.2012 - Current
Educator – Theatre & Design
University of Ballarat
01.2007 - 01.2012
Co-Founder & Artistic Director / Producer
The Village Festival
01.2004 - Current
Food Security & Community Engagement Roles
01.2004 - Current
Diploma of Community Services -
Victoria University
Professional Development - NEIS Business Program, MILKE Producer Bootcamp
Certificate IV in Training & Assessment -
Ballarat TAFE
Bachelor of Arts - Fine Arts
St Joost Kunst Academie
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