Perth, Australia

Creating Exhibition Opportunities for Marginalized Artists, a testimonial:

I have worked with Tom for nearly a decade, first meeting him during my internship at Creative Growth. I was drawn to his expertise in breaking down barriers for artists outside the Western canon and developing international markets for the artists he represents. Since then, I have been lucky enough to have Tom as a valued mentor, guiding me through projects that have introduced emerging Australian First Nations artists to new global audiences. His insight and support have been crucial to the success of these initiatives.

With Tom’s guidance, we continue to create pathways that reposition artists’ work within mainstream frameworks while maintaining artistic integrity which is no small feat. A career highlight was supporting senior Walmajarri artist Mr. May (dec.) to attend the Outsider Art Fair in New York, where his work reached new audiences, was reviewed in The New York Times, and celebrated by collectors. This milestone would not have been possible without Tom’s vision and leadership.

Having lived and worked in the Western Desert, Pilbara, and Kimberley—including serving as Business Manager for Warakurna Artists in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands—I know firsthand the logistical barriers to accessing new markets. With Tom’s mentorship, we have been able to build meaningful international partnerships that align with our artists’ ambitions, extending their reach and strengthening the visibility of remote and regional Australian artists.

Emilia Galatis
Director, EG Projects
Perth, Australia