Arts Leader Honoree - Sam Cook
Multi-award winning Nyikina creative, Sam is the Los Angeles US member rep for APRA AMCOS, a co-founder of Australian Made USA with Garry Gary Beers (INXS), co-founder of United Stages Collective - Aboriginal creatives in Hollywood and non-founding member of Artivist Entertainment with Grammy artists including; Aloe Blacc. A retired musician, Sam directed The Dreaming Festival and programmed the Woodford Folk Festival. In the US, she made history as the producer of the Grand Opening of Los Angeles iconic Sixth Street Bridge. She has toured and produced work globally including the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Ethiopia, Brazil and India. She is a playwright, author, screenwriter, visual artist, designer and publisher, having worked at Magabala Books and as CEO of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company. As a celebrated entrepreneur, she founded
KMBA Creative and Honey Ant Press. Sam’s visionary work has earned international accolades, enriching both cultural narratives and industry landscapes.