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

A white walled gallery space showing a series of large minimalist abstract paintings that have white, grey and cream colours.
Features

The case for 'quiet paintings' in turbulent times

The allure of abstract art is a mysterious thing. But an artist with 50+ years’ experience in the genre sheds…

two young ATYP actors, one male, one female, pictured facing each other onstage engaged in serious conversation.
Features

Cross-sector theatre partnership to dive deep into family violence

A theatre company with two successful cross-sector partnerships already to its name continues its work with community organisations to cast…

Alex Seton Australian War Memorial
Features

War memorial sculpture takes on new resonance after Defence Royal Commission report

As Australia faces difficult truths about its Defence Force this week, we are reminded of the power of art to…

arts boards: an empty board meeting room with a central large table and 8 chairs.
Features

Message to arts boards in the wake of MSO crisis

In a tough time for arts leaders, some in the sector are speaking up about arts governance structures... Is it…

Installation view of an exhibit at SA Museum. 2021 showing a cabinet of fossils in jars and a bark shield hanging in mid-air.
News

Outcry over SA Museum restructure reveals systemic government funding cuts

An overwhelming public backlash to a proposed SA Museum restructure prompted the SA State Government to tell the Museum to…

pvi Director Kelli McCluskey outside the BHP offices in Perth, standing in front of a giant poster that looks like an invoice from pvi to BHP.
Features

pvi collective delivers carbon invoices to fossil fuel companies

A collective at the apex of interventionist art used the language of economics to open dialogue with fossil fuel companies……

art and food: A light-filled gallery and restaurant space with high ceilings and polished concrete floors with a large white circular sculptural installation in the middle of the room, and a waitperson walking past carrying a plate of food,
Features

Galleries harnessing art-foodie crossovers: what’s in their secret sauce?

As a state gallery dips its toe into fine dining at an exhibition, ArtsHub spotlights others who know the power…

confidentiality: a photograph of hands and fingers pointing at a contract someone is holding, with papers and a laptop on a desk behind them.
Features

Confidentiality clauses in arts contracts: are we getting the balance right?

Confidentiality around creative work can be hugely important. But when do contract clauses limit arts workers' freedom of speech?

Iridescent pink web sculptures pictured hanging in a pitch black setting.
Features

Artists navigating environmental costs of AI art

AI is opening new doors for artists, but there are environmental costs to consider. Two artists share their views and…

new theatre audiences: a scene of actors amongst pizza boxes and stuffed animals.
Features

Tapping in to gaming subcultures to build new theatre audiences

What happens when a game-obsessed playwright meets two puppet artists who want to make a new theatre work? The answer…

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