Jo Pickup

ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).

Jo Pickup's Latest Articles

Snake Sessions performance in public space: a photo of four young male people standing at the top of a skate park ramp watching another young male person do a somersault in the air.
Industry News

Why skate parks and shopping malls are the perfect performing arts venues right now

If getting people to the theatre is harder than ever right now, why aren’t we taking more work to the…

Place Dances by Lucy Guerin. Photo: Gianna Rizzo.
Interviews

Lucy Guerin reflects on 25 years in the independent dance sector: what’s different now?

As Lucy Guerin prepares to present her final work for her company this weekend, she talks to ArtsHub about her…

OzAsia 2018: a photo of a purple neon-lit studio showing the shadowed face of female Asian person whose face is covered in strips of brightly coloured neon lighting effects.
Industry News

What do Asian Australian artists want to see in place of OzAsia?

As the nation’s most prominent Asian arts festival takes its final bow, Asian Australian artists share their views on what…

Australian artist Mikala Dwyer’s The Divisions, Subtractions and Additions: Séance for the Spiderworms, 2026. Installation view, 2026 Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art. Photo: Blandine Soulage. Courtesy: the artist, 1301SW, Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery and ADAGP.
Features

The 2026 Lyon Biennale features a record number Australian artists – why now?

This year’s Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art in France showcases a high number of Australian artists, signalling growing momentum around…

Arts Centre Melbourne second workers strike September 2026. A photo of an empty theatre seating bank showing red theatre seats.
News

Arts Centre Melbourne workers announce fresh action after first strike shuts down major concert

After experiencing its first arts workers’ strike in decades, Arts Centre Melbourne is now bracing for further industrial action in…

Aster + Asha Gallery exhibition of Anna Richardson's work. A darkened bright green hallway space showing two frmaed artworks on the wall under spotlights.
Interviews

As gallery costs shoot up, these curators are finding inventive exhibition platforms

ArtsHub speaks to artists and curators expanding exhibition opportunities for independent artists as conventional gallery hire costs go up.

Khaled Sabsabi Between Suns: Installation view of an exhibition showing a series of large free-hanging canvases painted with brown graphic patterns in an industrial warehouse gallery space.
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Khaled Sabsabi's Between Suns reveals the depths of the artist's spiritual practice

Curated by Mikala Tai, this survey exhibition is a moving exploration of the artist’s connections with Sufism, community and family…

Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke with NGA Director Nick Mitzevich in front of Blue poles (1952) by Jackson Pollock. Photo courtesy NGA.
News

News of Blue poles’ tour revives public divide over arts’ value

The announcement that one of Australia’s most valuable artworks will travel to WA has stoked a familiar public conversation.

Affordable Art Fair Melbourne: an aerial view of the art fair venue showing hundreds of art stands.
Features

How can artists make the most of the rise in affordable art fairs?

Australia is one of the Affordable Art Fair's fastest growing markets. While there are opportunities for artists, the big investment…

performing arts cost increases: a photo of a theatre's empty stage showing a ladder against its back wall and some equipment items at the back of the stage.
Industry News

Which cost increases are hitting performing arts companies hardest?

It’s tough times for many across the nation right now, including Australia's performing arts companies.

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