Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta artist Joanne Cassady has spent more than 4 decades creating, teaching and sharing her culture. Now, from her new affordable apartment in Ultimo, she finally has the room to let her multidisciplinary practice grow.
Running since 2014, our creative live and work spaces grants program has supported more than 70 artists, including Ramesh Mario Nithyendran and Vidya Makan, by providing stable, subsidised spaces for artists to live and work.
For years, Joanne worked from a single cramped room that held her painting supplies, stock, tools and even her TV. Today, she has dedicated spaces for painting, craftwork, storage and photography. The change has transformed the way she works.
“I could cry. I feel so blessed,” she said. “I pinch myself to think it’s real.”
A self-taught artist grounded in culture
Joanne began painting at 19 when her cousin introduced her to acrylics. Before that, she was always drawing patterns and lines with felt pens and pencils. Her Wiradjuri totem, the goanna, appears throughout her work along with stories of family, Country and resilience.
“Art is my escape. It is therapy. It is where I go to be happy.”
Art as education and connection
With a background in education, Joanne uses her work to spark conversations about culture, history and identity.
“I love to educate through art. You might start talking about symbols but somehow you end up talking about history or what is happening today,” she said.
Her murals and paintings often open space for deeper truths. While working on a public artwork, a passerby began asking about the Stolen Generations. The conversation grew naturally from the imagery.
“I do not want it to be all doom and gloom. There are wonderful stories to share,” she said.
A personal journey woven into her work
One of Joanne’s most meaningful pieces is a painting of her and her daughter holding hands, created after her mother passed away. The work symbolises strength drawn from family and was later commissioned by NRMA for a billboard.
To see it, Joanne travelled to Wagga Wagga and co-incidentally retraced her mother’s childhood places, including where she was taken as part of the Stolen Generations.
Finding community and opportunity in the city
Living in Ultimo has opened new doors for Joanne. She can walk to Darling Harbour, Broadway and the light rail. The central location makes it easier to attend markets, exhibitions and events. She has already taken up new opportunities, including stalls and an upcoming spot at Carriageworks.
“It is perfect. Out in the suburbs, it was harder. Here, there is so much happening.”
Encouraging others to take the leap
Joanne hopes more artists will apply for programs such as the creative live and work spaces.
“People think they will not get it or it is not for them. But you have got to ask. Go for it,” she said.
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Published 15 July 2026, updated 21 July 2026
