Barking Gecko Arts has announced the appointment of three inaugural Ambassadors, strengthening its commitment to ensuring that creativity belongs to everyone - every child, every young person, every family, and every community across Western Australia. These individuals were selected for their proven track records and deep expertise in areas aligned with Barking Gecko Arts' mission. Each ambassador was carefully chosen for their ability to advocate for creativity and their potential to inspire and engage children and communities through innovative practices.
The newly appointed ambassadors are:
- Jodi Cant, Ambassador for Strategic Innovation & Public Value
- James Foley, Ambassador for Creativity & Curiosity
- Kate Raynes-Goldie, Ambassador for Play & Innovation
Together, the cohort reflects Barking Gecko Arts’ evolution into a company centred on creativity, working across the arts, creative learning, community connection and future-focused thinking for children and young people.
Creativity belongs to everyone
CEO Ryan Taaffe said the ambassador appointments reflect a deliberate shift in how Barking Gecko Arts positions creativity in the public conversation.
“Creativity is not a luxury or an add-on; it’s a fundamental human capability,” Taaffe said. “These ambassadors represent creativity in different but complementary ways: imagination, play, innovation and public value. Together, they help us show that creativity belongs to every child, not just a talented few.”
“At Barking Gecko Arts, we believe creativity builds confidence, connection and possibility. These ambassadors give voice to that belief across families, schools, government and the wider community.”
Leadership, innovation and public value
As Ambassador for Strategic Innovation & Public Value, Jodi Cant brings deep experience in senior leadership, reform and community impact across Western Australia.
Jodi has held significant executive roles across the public sector, including leading major transformation, digital and innovation initiatives focused on public value, inclusion and human-centred design. Her career has been defined by a commitment to building systems that better serve people and communities.
“Creativity is essential to strong communities and better systems,” Cant said.
“I’m proud to support Barking Gecko Arts in championing creativity not just as artistic expression, but as a capability that helps children, and society, imagine and build better futures.”
Championing curiosity and imagination
Award-winning author and illustrator James Foley, whose work includes Stellarphant, Bigfoot vs Yeti, Happy Barry Capybara, Secret Agent Mole and Chickensaurus, will serve as Ambassador for Creativity & Curiosity.
James is one of Australia’s most-loved creators for young people, known for stories that celebrate imagination, courage, and curiosity. His work is widely used in schools and libraries, and he is currently collaborating with Barking Gecko Arts on the stage adaptation of Stellarphant.
“Curiosity is where creativity begins,” Foley said. “Barking Gecko Arts does an extraordinary job of giving children permission to imagine, to ask questions and to see their ideas as valuable.”
Play as a foundation for learning, curiosity and growth
As Ambassador for Play & Innovation, Dr Kate Raynes-Goldie brings expertise in the power of play for serious outcomes for adults and children alike.
Kate is a Canadian-born, Perth-based LEGO Serious Play facilitator, Business News Innovation Columnist, award-winning game designer, and global keynote speaker who advocates for the power of curiosity and play. Her work explores play as a powerful driver of learning, growth and human connection. She has worked across a variety of industries, from education to community to global companies, helping people and organisations to learn, grow and change their thinking about themselves and what’s possible.
“The research shows us that play is necessary for us to be happy, creative and connected humans,” Raynes-Goldie said. “Barking Gecko Arts understands that play isn’t optional; it’s foundational, regardless of age. I’m excited to support an organisation that places imagination and play at the heart of childhood, creating a better future for us all.”
Leadership and patronage
Chair Tony Chong said the ambassador appointments reflect Barking Gecko Arts’ long-term vision.
“These ambassadors embody the values at the heart of Barking Gecko Arts,” Chong said.
“They strengthen our ability to advocate for creativity as a public good, something that benefits families, communities and the future of Western Australia.”
Patron David Templeman welcomed the announcement.
“Barking Gecko Arts has long been a leader in creative work for young people,” Templeman said. “This ambassador cohort reinforces the organisation’s role as a champion for creativity, imagination and opportunity for children across the state.” “There is no more important time than now for us to all embrace the importance of creativity and the valuing of imagination for our young people and their growth as human beings. That’s why our ambassadors will play a crucial role in helping Barking Gecko Arts on our journey to ensure everyone has that opportunity and everyone benefits from unlocking our creativity in an increasingly complex world.”
A values-led role
The ambassador roles are designed to amplify Barking Gecko Arts’ mission through authentic advocacy. Each ambassador will contribute in ways that align with their expertise and availability, supporting Barking Gecko Arts’ work across the arts, learning, access and future-focused initiatives.
Barking Gecko Arts will welcome an additional Family Connection Ambassador to champion creativity in family connection.
