Skye O'Meara

1995 - 1997

Arts leader Skye O’Meara has dedicated her professional life to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and strengthening the Indigenous visual arts sector. She lived at John XXIII College from 1995 to 1997 while studying at the Australian National University, before beginning a career dedicated to community-led arts development and cultural collaboration.

Skye began working in the Indigenous arts sector with the Australia Council for the Arts, supporting grant and investment programs for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board from 2002. In 2007 she moved to the APY Lands in South Australia to become Art Centre Manager at Tjala Arts, working closely with Anangu artists and Elders. Her work during this period helped support major regional initiatives including painting camps, international exhibitions and the Kulata Tjuta project, a large-scale cultural program that combines traditional spear-making practices with contemporary artistic expression.

In 2012, Skye worked alongside APY Elders to help establish the APY Art Centre Collective (APYACC), a pioneering Indigenous-owned and governed organisation representing artists across the APY Lands. During her time with APYACC she helped realise the Elders’ vision for a thriving, ethical Indigenous arts industry by developing innovative programs and infrastructure. Her work contributed to the creation of a bush-to-boardroom gallery model, the establishment of three fine art galleries and four new art centres in Coober Pedy, Port Augusta, Adelaide and Oodnadatta, and the development of an international program for APY artists. She also helped secure more than $4 million in funding for art centre infrastructure and supported initiatives linking art and community wellbeing, including raising over $200,000 for the Purple House Renal Facility in Ernabella. Through this work she has played a key role in supporting Indigenous-led cultural enterprises and expanding opportunities for artists across the region.

Quote

"Kungkarangkalpa Tjukurpa, The Seven Sister's Story is a story of Women's Leadership. The oldest sister is responsible for the younger sisters, she protects them and leads them to safety. This story maps the breadth of Australia, it is a story for everyone."

- Nyunmiti Burton

All photographs © Bronte Morel 2026 and not to be reproduced.