Board Member Q&A with Claudia Chidiac
Claudia Chidiac is a creative producer and arts worker who has spent the past two decades working with diverse communities to deliver both intimate and large-scale arts experiences across Greater Sydney. She is the co-creator and co-curator of the Hive Festival, a new children’s festival presented by the Art Gallery of NSW and Blacktown Arts, and the visionary behind the Way Out West (WOW) Festival for Children at Casula Powerhouse. Claudia also created The Village by The Kids, a geo-located audio tour series co-created with children for intergenerational audiences.
As a community artist and parent, Claudia brings invaluable expertise to Monkey Baa’s Board, underpinned by a deep belief in equity, inclusion, and the right of every child to access meaningful creative experiences. We caught up with Claudia to hear more about what drives her work—and what excites her most about Monkey Baa’s future.
What inspired you to join Monkey Baa’s Board, and how does its mission resonate with your personal values?
I’ve known Monkey Baa for over 20 years and have long admired their deep commitment to young people. Their belief that all children deserve access to high-quality theatre aligns powerfully with my own values around equity and inclusion.
As a community artist and parent, I deeply value their ability to centre children’s voices in both storytelling and participation. Monkey Baa’s work affirms that the arts are not a luxury but a right for all young people.
Can you share a memorable moment during your time as Director that highlights Monkey Baa’s impact on young people or communities?
Their recent fundraising campaign to bus children to the theatre is deeply moving. It reminds me that access is everything—many children have never been to a theatre before. The campaign demonstrates how small acts of support can have life-changing ripple effects. It captures Monkey Baa’s mission perfectly: breaking down barriers to connect children with powerful storytelling.
What excites you most about Monkey Baa’s future projects, and how do you see them inspiring young audiences?
The focus on new Australian stories that reflect the diversity of our children and communities.
Their investment in collaborations with artists from varied disciplines and diverse backgrounds excites me—representation matters.
The way they continue to evolve how stories are told and where they’re told—from theatres to classrooms to regional communities.
I’m inspired by how they listen to young people and let that inform their creative direction.
As Director, what are your priorities in supporting Monkey Baa’s growth and commitment to equity and creativity?
Deepening relationships across the arts and cultural sector—locally, nationally, and internationally—to foster creative collaboration, exchange, and advocacy for young audiences.
Ensuring the organisation remains brave, bold, and child-focused in its artistic choices.
Advocating for sustainable, long-term funding models that support access, experimentation, and the ongoing impact of creative work with and for young people and audiences.
