Exhibits,
Bus Projects farewells Artistic Director, Sophia Cai
In November we farewelled Sophia Cai as the Artistic Director of Bus Projects. The Board of Bus Projects thanks Sophia for her significant contributions to the organisation during her time, bringing renewed energy and excitement to the organisation.
Under her leadership, Bus Projects has celebrated several notable milestones. This included the planning and delivery of two successful fundraisers, led by Sophia in collaboration with former and current staff, Samm Sutton, Lara Chamas and Kyle McIntyre. She also secured project funding for the Artistic Program, which went directly to support the artists Bus Projects worked with in the latter half of 2024.
Together with former Chair, Nella Themelios, Sophia played an instrumental role in securing multi-year funding from Creative Australia for 2025 to 2028. This included developing a refreshed strategic plan together to guide the organisation in the years to come.
As part of this strategic plan and artistic vision, Sophia introduced a number of new initiatives to the organisation including the “Bus Launch” program, as a dedicated opportunity for early-career practitioners. Sophia also oversaw the presentation of more than 100 artists in our new space in Brunswick East, including many artists who have never exhibited at Bus Projects before, furthering our vision to be a champion for the agency of artists.
Sophia’s leadership was also exemplified by her outstanding collaboration with other ARIs and arts organisations. This included new neighbourhood partnerships with Counihan Gallery, as well as an international collaboration with The Physics Room. She was also part of a cross-ARI team that collectively organised solidarity actions and meetings.
Sophia’s input to Bus Projects has been significant ensuring that the organisation championed underrepresented artistic voices, and that the Artistic Committee reflected the diversity of the sector at large.
Bus Projects and its future has been nurtured by Sophia and her vision in collaboration with the wider team. We are grateful for all of the hard work that she has put into the organisation to ensure that Bus will have a bright future.
The Board of Bus Projects are grateful for her dedication and wish Sophia all the best in her future endeavours. Current staff member, Kyle McIntyre, will continue to support artists in an acting Exhibitions Manager role as we prepare to announce our 2025 program.
