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Creative Passions: Lenore Robertson and the Power of the Arts
For Lenore Robertson AM, the arts are more than an interest - they are a force for connection, creativity, and transformation. Over three decades, she has dedicated herself to ensuring that others can experience the richness and opportunity that the arts bring to individuals and communities alike.
“Everybody can gain from involvement in the arts; it helps you learn how to communicate, how to work in a team, be creative, disciplined and organised. It enriches individual lives, builds confidence, fosters diversity and enhances equality in the community,” Lenore says.
From Teaching to Theatre: A Lifelong Passion
Lenore’s journey began in education, where she first discovered the profound impact of creative expression. While working full-time as a teacher, she pursued further studies, earning a Graduate Diploma of Education via distance learning at Mitchell College.
“The course was well structured and appropriate to my work. I was impressed by the close interest that individual teachers took. I loved the two-week residential blocks – the activities, face-to-face classes, meeting my peers and teachers. It was a great experience.”
After graduating in 1984, Lenore stepped away from teaching to raise her family. However, her love for the arts remained unwavering. She immersed herself in community theatre, performing in musical society productions and bringing joy to senior citizens through the Dougherty Entertainers.
As her children grew, so did her artistic ambitions. A singing role at Epicentre Theatre Company led to assistant directing, then to directing multiple plays. She eventually became Artistic Director, curating and overseeing productions while completing a Graduate Diploma in Performance Studies at the University of Sydney. She also directed plays for Nautanki Theatre, a South-East Asian group that fosters cultural engagement within contemporary Australia.
Advocating for Inclusive and Transformative Theatre
In 2013, Lenore joined the board of Milk Crate Theatre, an organisation dedicated to providing creative opportunities for artists whose voices are often underrepresented. The company harnesses the power of storytelling to build empathy, break down barriers, and empower individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and disability.
“It is very powerful for our collaborative artists to be able to tell their stories and for other people to understand their lives. Milk Crate is going from strength to strength, and I’m incredibly proud of their work.”
Her passion for elevating new voices continued in 2016 when she joined the board of Griffin Theatre Company. Situated in the heart of Kings Cross, Griffin is Australia’s only theatre company solely dedicated to developing and staging new Australian writing.
“We are the launch pad for new plays, ideas, and writing, work that is bold, visionary, and risky. Plays like Prima Facie, Holding the Man, and City of Gold all had their world premieres at Griffin before capturing the international imagination.”
As Co-Chair of Griffin’s Capital Appeal, Lenore has played a crucial role in shaping the theatre’s future. Despite navigating funding challenges, the company secured a $5 million grant from the NSW Government and acquired its theatre and an adjoining building with the support of the Nielson Foundation.
“The redevelopment ushers in a new era for Griffin, adding crucial facilities such as dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces, and accessibility features, all while preserving the unique intimacy that makes Griffin special.”
Philanthropy, Education, and Arts Advocacy
Lenore and her family have long supported the arts, social justice, and education through the Robertson Foundation, established in 2007. The foundation’s beneficiaries include Social Ventures Australia, Human Rights Watch Australia, Sydney Theatre Company, The Old Fitz, Hayes Theatre, The Stella Prize, The Social Outfit, and education initiatives such as the City Link Mentor Program, The Story Factory, and the Country Education Foundation.
“I believe that education is the key to many happy outcomes, opening pathways and opportunities. My husband, Paul, and I were the first in our respective families to go to university, and it transformed our lives, and that of our families.”
Her recent focus has been on children’s theatre, a perfect fusion of her passion for the arts, education, and fostering a love of storytelling from an early age. She co-produced JUST Live on Stage! with Red Line Productions, a national success, and is now working towards a 2026 tour of Tim Winton’s The Bugalugs Bum Thief.
Recognition and Looking Ahead
On Australia Day 2024, Lenore was made a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of her significant service to the community and the arts.
“I am deeply humbled and extremely honoured to be recognised for my contribution to the arts and the community more broadly. I see it as recognition of the countless people working in and for our community, day in and day out. It meant a lot to me.”
As she looks ahead, Lenore remains passionate about the role of the arts in Australian society.
“The arts have a critical role in helping us tell our many unique stories, and I encourage everyone to seek out and support local arts organisations.”
Everybody can gain from involvement in the arts; it helps you learn how to communicate, how to work in a team ... and enhances equality in the community.
- Lenore Robertson Graduate Diploma of Education, (1984).
