OAM for ‘inspiring’ Indigenous arts campaigner

Edith Cowan University’s Manager of Art, Culture and Collections, Clothilde Bullen, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in recognition of her services to Indigenous Arts.

Ms Bullen, a Wardandi and Badimaya woman, has spent her career championing the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers, and advocating for their inclusion, development and representation across the arts sector.

“Receiving an Order of Australia Medal, for someone like myself who prefers to remain behind the scenes, always putting artists first, is humbling, but also speaks to the work of those who paved the way in our sector and those who collectively strive in making contributions in the arts, without whom I wouldn’t be here,” she said.

“There is no greater communal effort than Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and arts workers who have for decades used the arts as a tool for change, to challenge and represent and to bring joy.

“At ECU, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside people who share my commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives at the core of cultural and creative practices.”

ECU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Braden Hill said Ms Bullen’s impact on the arts and her tireless advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists was inspiring.

“This medal not only honours her outstanding contributions to the arts but also highlights the importance of her work in shaping a more inclusive and representative arts landscape in Australia. We are very proud to have her part of the ECU community,” Prof Hill said.