Speakers

Lisa Dempster is the Manager Cultural Development at Merri-bek City Council where she leads arts and culture, libraries and place activation. Her branch is responsible for ensuring the diverse suburbs of Brunswick, Coburg, Glenroy and surrounds remain vibrant and full of culture, whether that is through excellent events, access to lifelong learning, or welcoming community spaces.

In recent years, she has been supporting Glenroy Community Hub and Balam Balam Place in Brunswick to serve their local communities, and is now leading a significant portfolio of Council cultural infrastructure investment including a new Coburg Library and Piazza, Fawkner Library upgrade and Coburg Bluestone Cottage heritage project.

Before joining Council, Lisa worked in the arts and culture sector for many years including as Artistic Director/CEO of Melbourne Writers Festival and Emerging Writers' Festival.

Lisa is deeply interested in third places, the role of cultural infrastructure, and how to design, program and operate inclusive and engaging places that the community feels belongs to them. She muses on these topics @lisadempster.