Deidrie Tehan Cullen
I am an Eco Art Psychotherapist
Image: Deidrie Tehan Cullen
For nearly the past 10 years, I was the President of Gold Coast Creative Events Inc. (GCCEI). This not-for-profit has always been close to my heart, a platform for creatives to network, share ideas, collaborate on projects, and access funding under a united banner. Even during the quieter years, I kept the torch lit, knowing its potential to nurture and support the arts on the Gold Coast.
The NFP organisation was originally formed in 2015 by a group of passionate creatives, myself included, with the ambitious idea of bringing music to our streets and even onto our trams. While that inaugural event didn’t come to fruition, it opened the door to other exciting music events and creative initiatives, many of which received council and grant funding to support the projects of our members.
Over time, the original committee evolved, as members moved on or shifted focus. Then, in late 2022, while I was still serving as President, I was in the middle of our last project - a series of HOPE: EPOH Photovoice workshops supported by an Investing in QLD Women’s Grant, when I received a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis. This moment changed everything. I was forced to step back, reassess, and refocus my energy on my health and healing.
In 2024, during a Creative Conversations event at Hand Bent Banana, while still in recovery mode, I was delighted to see new energy and commitment emerge around GCCEI. A fresh team of dedicated creatives stepped forward to carry the organisation into its next chapter. I gladly handed over the presidency, stepping back so the entity could shine in its own light, just as it was always meant to.
The original vision of GCCEI was to work in collaborative partnership with local organisations, businesses, artists, and musicians, enhancing music and art in every corner of the Gold Coast. Over the years, this vision morphed and matured - what began as an event management organisation transformed into a collective creative space that encouraged artistic exchange, collaboration, and community connection.
Alongside GCCEI, I have developed and managed many collaborative projects across the years: ranging from intimate workshops, films, exhibitions, fashion parades, and performance art to larger-scale international events. For over 30 years, I have been an active member of my community, holding leadership roles in grassroots organisations and representing families as a consumer voice on steering and reference committees for the founding of Gold Coast Birthing Centre. These roles allowed me to work alongside health professionals and politicians to advocate for positive outcomes for families and communities.
My creative journey first took shape as a professional photographer. Since the late 1980s, my work has won awards, been exhibited widely, and published both nationally and internationally. Later, as my three children were completing their schooling, I returned to study: spending five years training in counselling and arts psychotherapy, graduating with two degrees.
In 2021, I established my Eco & Arts Therapy business on the Gold Coast and throughout Queensland, working with both individuals and groups in private practice and within the mental health sector. After taking 2.5 years away to focus on my health journey, I returned to running 2-day workshops across QLD, particularly with long-term unemployed groups.
Art and creative practice have always been central to my life, offering both tools and opportunities to dive deep within myself and to connect meaningfully with my community. Living with stage 4 breast cancer has only strengthened this relationship: my art therapy practice has been one of the most powerful tools in navigating healing and living with a terminal illness.
Creative connections have always been, and will always remain, the way I find my place in the world—lighting the path forward as I continue my journey with courage, creativity, and community.
Where to find Deidrie
Deidrie with paintbrushes
Karen McPhail-Bell
I am a coach, visual artist and facilitator
Image of Karen McPhail-Bell supplied by Karen
I live and work on the lands of the Kombumerri people, Gold Coast, Australia.
I am a member of GC Creatives because it provides a unique community for those of us that recognise art, health and Country as core for a thriving society. I believe that creativity is the ultimate facilitator and sign of health in a community - and as a GCEIC member, I'm in good company.
As an artist, I create one-of-a-kind mixed media paintings that evoke connection to place and bring meaning and beauty in your home or office.
As a creative leadership coach, I help values-based professionals to cultivate self-leadership, unlock hidden potential, and gain clarity to make the changes they deeply (maybe secretly) desire - bringing more confidence and creative freedom into their life and career.
As an internationally recognised creative leader and facilitator working at the intersection of art, health and systems change, I help you and your team reimagine your work to energise the change you want to make.
“Let Colour Speak” is a mother-daughter art exhibition featuring the work of Jennie Bell and Karen McPhail-Bell. This exhibition explores colour as a “third voice” in their intergenerational dialogue where they investigate memory, place and identity through their painting practice.
Their collaborative art practice emerged as a lifeline when COVID-19 restrictions kept them unexpectedly apart for years, while Karen lived in the U.S.A.. What began as video calls where they shared colour prompts and art play, has evolved into a rich artistic conversation.
“Let Colour Speak” shares their creative dialogue and collaboration, inviting the community and viewers to engage in their own self-expression through colour too.
Main exhibition | 1–12 October 2025
Where | Robina Art Gallery, 196 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina. The Gallery itself is inside the same building as the Robina library.
Time | Robina Library opening hours (check for current hours here)
Further show information | https://drkmcb.com/letcolourspeak
"Meet the artists" event: 12-1pm, Friday, 3 October https://events.humanitix.com/meet-the-artists-let-colour-speak
Let Colour Speak exhibition
Where to find Karen
W: DrKMcB.com
IG: @DrKMcB_art | @artful.leadership
F: @DrKMcB | @ArtfulLeadershipCo
YT: @DrKMcB