People | City of Parramatta

A group of people gathered talking in the corner of a studio filled with brightly coloured paintings

The Parramatta Artists Studio team encompasses a range of artists, curators, and writers with a breadth of experience across the NSW and Western Sydney visual arts sector.

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Sophia Kouyoumdjian, Director

Sophia Kouyoumdjian has worked in the visual arts sector for over 20 years across directorial and curatorial roles. Previously Curator at Blacktown Arts Centre and PAS Director since 2012, Sophia has comprehensive experience in Western Sydney’s contemporary arts sector. Sophia is Chair of the Dance Makers Collective board and has held board and committee positions at the Arts and Cultural Exchange (ACE), Western Sydney University, Museums and Galleries NSW and the Sydney Arts Management Advisory Group.

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JD Reforma, Curator and Artist Development

JD Reforma is an artist, curator, and writer with over 15 years of experience across the visual arts sector. He has previously held positions at Firstdraft, Artspace, Minerva, the Biennale of Sydney, and UTS Gallery & Art Collection. He has presented major commissioned works for institutions across Australia, including the Art Gallery of NSW, the Art Gallery of South Australia, and Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA), Melbourne. He was previously a Co-Director of Firstdraft, and is currently a member of the Cultural and Creative Sector Advisory Panel, City of Sydney and the Board of Directors of Art Month Sydney.

A woman with grey hair and brightly coloured clothing stands leaning against a wooden stud wall

Claire Finneran, Programs Officer

Claire Finneran is a writer, editor, artist and arts worker from Widjabul country (Lismore). She is a media professional with over 20 years experience in culture journalism, the entertainment industry and contemporary arts. She most recently worked as a National Editor at Time Out Australia and The Thousands. Claire has diverse experiences curating and programming events as well as exhibiting in galleries and festivals around Australia. She has worked for digital art app Arthur, Golden Age Cinema, Right Angle Studio and Hopscotch Film.