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

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.

new arts precinct: a photogrpah of a small outdoor piazza space packed with people listening to an opening address to an arts event.
Industry News

Inside PIAZZA, the privately funded arts precinct supporting emerging artists

A burgeoning arts precinct backed by a sole private investor is testing fresh ideas to help local emerging artists find…

What are the key motivations for arts giving? Photo: Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.
Industry News

What really motivates arts philanthropists to give?

Glamorous galas and enticing tax breaks are one thing, but it takes a little more than that to convince arts…

Sydney Theatre Company: a photo of actor Sarah Snook playing Dorian Gray sitting on an elaborately decorated chaise longue. The chaise longue is decorated in flowers.
Industry News

Profits or losses for state theatre companies: key trends revealed

Our state theatres companies are navigating very challenging market conditions and while the audiences are there, expenses are on the…

Dear Children, Sincerely... 7 Decades of Sri Lanka, written and directed by Ruwanthie de Chickera, Stages Theatre Group. Photo: Prauda Buwaneka.

Artists from the Asia Pacific stand out at international theatre festival

Of more than 30 theatre shows at this year's Theater Der Welt festival in Germany, these three productions from the…

Performers from Chilean theatre company Silencio Blanco at the conclusion of Antuco at the 2026 Theater Der Welt festival in Germany, 2026. Photo: Johannes Richter / Theater Der Welt.
Interviews

Theatre of the World interview: the Chilean artists tapping into puppetry's power

Chilean theatre company Silencio Blanco uses puppetry to create powerful, documentary-style theatre works that are now touring the world.

Nkoli: A Fierce & Fabulous Life. Photo: Mark Lewis.
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Theatre of the World review: South Africa's Nkoli is fierce and fabulous opera

In the opera Nkoli, a majority Black South African cast bring the energy to a story of activism and defiance.

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