With deep gratitude, we farewell our outgoing Chair, Michael Nelson, whose steady leadership and generous commitment have guided ANAT through a significant and energising chapter. Michael has brought clarity, care and strategic insight to the Board, always championing the vital role of artists working across disciplines. His belief in ANAT’s mission and in the people who make it possible, has helped strengthen the organisation in lasting ways. We thank him warmly for his dedication, stewardship and generosity.

Michael’s broader professional background spans strategic leadership, communications and governance across the cultural and creative sectors. He has long been committed to strengthening organisations that support artists and interdisciplinary practice, bringing a thoughtful, systems-focused approach to board leadership and organisational sustainability.

Stepping into the role is Melita Grant, whose deep expertise in sustainable futures, integrated water resource management and inclusive international development brings fresh energy and insight to ANAT’s strategic direction. As Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney, Melita leads collaborative research that bridges environmental responsibility, social justice and cross-sector partnerships, an exciting alignment with ANAT’s vision for experimentation and exchange across art, science and technology.

ANAT CEO Melissa Delaney says ‘it has been an absolute joy working alongside Michael over the past years. His commitment and integrity as Chair, often going above and beyond, have been extraordinary. Michael’s deep knowledge of the South Australian arts and cultural sector, as well as his national and international expertise in risk and governance, has been an invaluable support to me and to ANAT. He will be greatly missed, and we are profoundly grateful for his leadership. At the same time, I warmly welcome Melita as our incoming Interim Board Chair and look forward to working with her as we continue ANAT’s strategic direction and long-term vision.’

Melita’s career reflects a strong commitment to systems change, inclusive leadership and working across disciplines to address complex global challenges. Her experience navigating research, policy and community contexts positions her to guide ANAT with both strategic rigour and care.

As we thank Michael for his remarkable contribution, we warmly welcome Melita and look forward to the next chapter of ANAT’s journey, one shaped by curiosity, reciprocity and creative possibility.

“Since I first joined the ANAT board in 2018″, Michael says “I have been in constant awe at the extraordinary work this organisation is capable of creating and supporting.  The breadth and scope of what ANAT does, coupled with its unique place in the Australian arts/science/tech milieu, is breathtaking. However, after seven years, including time as chair and acting CEO, it is time for me to step aside. I’m confident that the team under Melissa DeLaney, and the board, under Melita Grant, will continue to provide an exemplary example of what is possible when experience, enthusiasm and imagination combine.”

Michael works with international information provider LexisNexis. For a decade prior to that, he was senior manager at Sheahan Lock Partners, a multidisciplinary insolvency practice, focusing on forensic investigation and complex litigation. Before that, he spent 15 years working as a marketing and communications specialist in the performing arts arena, including time with the Adelaide Festival Centre, the Adelaide Festival of Arts and Australian Dance Theatre, and the Federal Department of Communications, IT and the Arts.

Melita is a Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney. She works with social justice and sustainability partners from the Asia-Pacific region, and specialises in integrated water resources management in international development with a focus on inclusion. With an academic background in international relations and environmental management, Melita has expertise in a range of sustainable development issues, and has worked for over 20 years’ in government, university, and civil society sectors. Melita is exploring artistic connections with water management programs in the Pacific as part of her PhD in support of decolonising methodologies.

In coming Board Chair Melita says ‘what a courageous, supportive, calm and wise leader Michael has been for ANAT. We have really enjoyed every Board meeting with him and have learned a lot from his kind and thoughtful approach. Thank you, Michael for everything you have done to support ANAT to be in the strong and evolving position it is now in.’