Firstdraft farewells Emmaly Langridge

It is with heavy hearts and heartfelt gratitude that we announce the departure of Emmaly Langridge from the role of Firstdraft General Manager, a position she has held since March 2020. She will take on a newly created senior leadership position at a peer arts organisation, to be announced in September.

Emmaly Langridge, 2020. Photo: Zan Wimberley

Emmaly joined Firstdraft at a major juncture for the organisation, guiding a brand new team across a threshold of global upheaval. She quickly cultivated a warm and generous environment where all around her were empowered to lead and own their vision for change and innovation. Her care and agility steered Firstdraft through a period of global instability, while continuing to grow and support the position of artists at our centre.

2020 was the year of the digital pivot, and Emmaly supported the commissioning of over 24 new works by artists, writers and curators across major new online programs including New Horizons, Torrent Blossom, For You, and Strategic Choreographies; as well as Close Contact, 2021, and the upcoming Conductive Site. Foregrounding a digital-first approach, she centred First Peoples artists and voices, and emerging curators at the vanguard of access-led artistic and performance practice.

“Like many others, Firstdraft holds a very special place in my heart. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many brilliant emerging and experimental artists. It's a privilege to be part of a small organisation where you're able to work closely with artists and witness their personal and professional growth. The longevity of Firstdraft is testament to the incredible work of staff and directors, past and present. The team works tirelessly to deliver meaningful development and presentation opportunities, while regularly striving to improve their practice. With these arts leaders, I trust that our sector is in safe hands.

Finally, the growth of Firstdraft is due to many supporters who stand behind us. From large funding bodies through to individual donors, your support ensures that the organisation has a rich future ahead, where more artists will be afforded a safe and encouraging environment to flourish. I look forward to returning to Firstdraft as a visitor and continuing to witness work that challenges and inspires.” – Emmaly Langridge

Through her initiatives, Emmaly secured major local, regional, national and international partnerships, supporting new and inclusive commissioning structures for artists located across Australia. She also cemented Firstdraft's philanthropic foundation – welcoming new generations of supporters while diversifying income for artists through the annual Firstdraft Auction. Since its relaunch online in 2020, the audience and revenue generated by the auction has increased threefold.

Emmaly championed open and collaborative leadership, in a time when arts organisations worldwide are critically assessing the ways in which we create, relate to and support our communities. She concludes her tenure this Friday 27 August, and we hope you'll join us proudly in wishing her the best as she embarks on a new and exciting journey.

keep reading