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Creative passions: Lenore Robertson on the transformative power of the arts
Lenore Robertson AM found her tribe, passion and purpose in the performing arts. For over thirty years, she has dedicated herself to ensuring others can access the richness the arts can bring to the community.
“Everybody can gain from involvement in the arts; it helps you learn how to communicate, how to work in a team, be creative, disciplined and organised. It enriches individual lives, builds confidence, fosters diversity and enhances equality in the community,” Lenore says.
Lenore began her career as a teacher, completing her Graduate Diploma of Education via distance learning at Mitchell College while teaching full-time.
“The course was well structured and appropriate to my work. I was impressed by the close interest that individual teachers took. I loved the two-week residential blocks – the activities, faceto-face classes, meeting my peers and teachers. It was a great experience.”
Lenore graduated in 1984 and chose to take a break from teaching to care for her family full-time. Looking for a creative involvement in the arts, she immersed herself in community theatre, spending 20 years performing in local musical society productions and entertaining senior citizens with the Dougherty Entertainers.
When her children had finished school, Lenore decided to become seriously involved in the arts.
A singing part in a play at Epicentre Theatre Company segued to an assistant director role in two plays. She went on to direct multiple plays and then become Artistic Director, curating and overseeing plays while completing a Graduate Diploma in Performance Studies at the University of Sydney. She also directed plays for Nautanki Theatre, a South-East Asian group that encourages cultural development and community engagement with contemporary Australia.
In 2013, Lenore joined the board of Milk Crate Theatre, which provides opportunities for artists whose voices are under-represented to engage in artistic practice to build confidence, skills and connections. It shares bold and resonant stories to build empathy and break down barriers.
Lenore worked for nine years at this important intersection of arts, homelessness, mental health and disability, and was deeply moved by the stories she encountered.
“It is very powerful for our collaborative artists to be able to tell their stories and for other people to understand their lives. Milk Crate is going from strength to strength, and I’m incredibly proud of their work.”
She joined the board of Griffin Theatre Company in 2016.
Nestled in the heart of Kings Cross, Griffin has been Australia’s home for the exploration of new stories since 1979 and is its only theatre company devoted to the development and staging of new Australian writing. It has launched countless visionary works and the careers of many actors and practitioners.
“We are the launch pad for new plays, ideas and writing – work that is bold, visionary and risky. Plays like Prima Facie, Holding the Man and City of Gold all had their world premieres at Griffin before going out to capture the international imagination.”
Lenore sees her role at Griffin as “an absolute privilege and joy”, and is currently Co-Chair of its Capital Appeal.
“We’ve been through some pretty hard times with funding cuts, but we’re on the verge of an exciting new period, having secured a $5 million grant from the NSW government to redevelop our theatre. We’ve also purchased the theatre and a neighbouring building with the Nielson Foundation’s support.”
The redevelopment ushers in a new era at Griffin, adding crucial facilities such as dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces and accessibility features. The theatre’s unique essence will be preserved, continuing to support intimate, nonmainstream work and shape Australia’s artistic future.
Griffin is one of many organisations that Lenore and her family have supported across the arts, social justice and education through the Robertson Foundation. Established in 2007, beneficiaries include Social Ventures Australia, Human Rights Watch Australia, Sydney Theatre Company, The Old Fitz, Hayes Theatre, The Stella Prize, The Social Outfit, and education initiatives including City Link Mentor Program, The Story Factory and the Country Education Foundation
“I believe that education is the key to many happy outcomes, opening pathways and opportunities. My husband, Paul, and I were the first in our respective families to go to university and it transformed our lives, and that of our families.”
Lenore’s recent focus has been on children’s theatre, a perfect fusion of her belief in the arts, education and fostering an early love of theatre. Fresh off co-producing nationally touring hit children’s show JUST Live on Stage! with Red Line Productions, she is working towards a national tour of Tim Winton’s The Bugalugs Bum Thief in 2026.
On Australia Day 2024, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of significant service to the community and the arts.
“I am deeply humbled and extremely honoured to be recognised for my contribution to the arts and the community more broadly. I see it as recognition that countless people working in and for our community, day in and day out. It meant a lot to me,” she shares.
“In Australia, the arts have a critical role to play in helping us tell our many unique stories and I encourage everyone to seek out and support local arts organisations.”
Everybody can gain from involvement in the arts; it helps you learn how to communicate, how to work in a team ... and enhances equality in the community.
Lenore Robertson Graduate Diploma of Education, 1984.
