
Mentorship, ongoing
Open Studio began during the COVID-19 lockdown when we were missing having regular chats about art and art making with young people and emerging artists. You can now book a virtual meeting with one of our resident artists to discuss your career and ambitions.
Book a session with one of the team
Finn O’Branagáin



Finn is also a multi-award-winning writer, director, dramaturg and performer, and has been programmed nationally and internationally at major venues and festivals. She makes text-based work for physical performers, puppets, and interactive audiences, using mythology to talk about current social issues. She is passionate about creatively collaborating with artists and communities to create extraordinary work that give transferable life skills.
She can give advice on:
- Grants and budgets
- Arts careers
- Your artistic project
- Dramaturgy
- Writing (plays, films and prose)
- Directing
- Community Engagement
- Puppertry
Nicole Issa



Nicole Issa is an Artist, Songwriter and Radio Host based in SouthWest Sydney. At Outloud Nicole is a Workshop Facilitator for our RESPECT and UNITY Programs. As an Artist Nicole has been active in the music scene for over 7 years performing on big stages such as Splendor in the Grass and Sydney’s Metro Theatre. Currently releasing music under her name, she has accumulated over 50k streams across the platforms and is a heavy advocate for CaLD individuals pursuing a career in the arts. Nicole is the Co-Founder and Radio Host of Fbi Radio’s ‘Tall Pop’ a show dedicated to highlighting underground Pop music in Australia.
She can give advice on:
- Songwriting
- Live performances
- Artistic collaboration
- Gigs
- Arts careers
- Community Engagement
Van Nguyen



Van Nguyen is a solo musician whose music genres revolve around pop and rock. Inspired by Ed Sheeran’s live playing style, Van performs using an acoustic guitar and a looping station to make his solo gigs sound big and lively. From debuting at university open mics, Van now enjoys performing at local community events. He has performed at such events like the Bankstown Poetry Slam.
He can give advice on:
- Cording and mixing music
- Live performances
- Sound and tech for live performances (like equipment and tech stuff you may need for a live performance)
- Loop station
- Busking
Partners and supporters
The program is made possible through the generous support of Create NSW


