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New voices, new directions: the young members of NSW’s biggest cultural boards

Six young leaders joined the boards of New South Wales’ major cultural institutions last year. Who are they, and what changes do they hope to bring?

7 Apr 2026 9:00

Manan Luthra

All Arts

Young members of NSW cultural institution boards at the State Library of NSW. Photo: Joy Lai.

In October 2025, New South Wales’ most prestigious cultural establishments made a change. For the first time, they appointed directors aged between 18 and 28 to their governance boards.

In the words of NSW Minister for Youth Rose Jackson, these young leaders will ‘bring new life’ to these institutions. So what impact have they had so far, and what advice do they have for other emerging arts leaders?

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Manan Luthra

Manan Luthra is an emerging journalist based in New South Wales. Currently studying at the University of Sydney, he is the owner and editor of State of the Art Media, an arts journalism group which has covered Sydney’s performing arts scene since 2019. He has written for The New York Times, Indian Link, Junkee and Scenestr, and in his spare time he works as an actor and event co-ordinator. He’s currently reading Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike.