Board of Trustees
Michelle Belgiorno-Nettis
Chair
Michelle is an exhibiting artist represented by Art Atrium and has a BA Fine Arts (painting), BA Honours Japanese and a Master of Commerce. Michelle has a background in corporate communications and extensive experience in the philanthropic sector in Australia, particularly in arts and environmental conservation. Michelle has previously been Deputy Chair of the Ngununggula Regional Art Gallery, a Director of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and is a Director of several private companies.
Sue Jackson
Secretary / Trustee
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of NSW; GradDip (Public Relations); GAICD
Sue is currently President of the Art Gallery Society of NSW and was previously Treasurer for several years. She is a life member of the Tamarama Surf Lifesaving Club, an involvement that began in 2002. She held the role of Director and Honorary Secretary of the Alliance Française de Sydney from 2003 to 2007. She runs the business writing consultancy, Written Advantage.
In 2024 Paula completed a 9 year term as Vice-President of the Art Gallery Society of NSW (2015 – 2024); Former Chair, S H Ervin Gallery Advisory Committee (2010 to 2025); Art Director of the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation (since 2011). Formerly Managing Director of the Biennale of Sydney; Director of the Art Gallery of WA; Project Manager, Australia Council; International Exhibition Manager, Australian Gallery Director’s Council. Former roles in the not-for-profit sector include participation on the boards of: the Australian-American Fulbright Commission; the VACB of Australia Council; the Alliance Francaise de Sydney. Awarded a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (2005).
Paula Latos-Valier AM
Art Director and Trustee
Matteo Salval
Trustee
Matteo is a Director at JPW Architects in Sydney. With a strong belief in the cultural and social impact of design and a passion for the enriching relationships between art and architecture, he led the design of many meaningful public spaces in Sydney.
Originally from Italy, Matteo earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Venice, where he developed a deep appreciation for the intersection of historical context and contemporary design.
Beyond his architectural practice, Matteo has been a board member of Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club for eight years (President for three), supporting the organisation’s role in community safety and education, and ensuring the delivery of its new clubhouse.
Julien Playoust
Trustee
Julien is an exhibiting artist and businessman with extensive experience as a director of public and private companies. He is a director of Australian Unity Limited a for-purpose social infrastructure provider. He is Chairman of the Finance Committee, Member of the Advisory Board of The Nature Conservancy and former Deputy Chairman of the Art Gallery of NSW Foundation. Past appointments include UNSW Art & Design Advisory Board and National Gallery of Australia Foundation Board. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master of Business Administration from UNSW (AGSM), Bachelor of Architecture (First Class Honours) and Bachelor of Science from Sydney University. He has completed several courses at National Art School.
Susan Dadswell OAM
Associate Trustee
Susan has had a long involvement in the arts. She has been a valued supporter of the Art Gallery of NSW, volunteering as a Council Member of the Art Gallery Society (2012-2021) and Coordinator of the Gallery Volunteers (2010-2020). Susan has an interest in rare archival matter working for a preeminent rare books and manuscripts company, and volunteering in archiving for the City of Sydney, State Library of NSW and the Australian War Memorial. In 2023, Susan was awarded an OAM in the Australia Day Honours for her service to the museums and galleries sector and in 2024 was awarded Lifelong Membership of the Art Gallery Society.