Melynda von Wayward has a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and a Graduate Diploma in Arts Management from the University of Melbourne. During her time working in the professional Arts industry, Melynda von Wayward has worked in a production capacity with many performing arts organisations including world class Australian companies Snuff Puppets and Acrobat.
In an arts management capacity Melynda has worked at small to medium sized arts organisations including BRIGHTSPACE gallery and Fortyfivedownstairs, as well as co-managing circus agency Australian Circus Artists. Melynda has also been successful in writing and receiving many arts grants since her time as an arts manager, including grants for her own projects and for arts organisations and individuals.
Melynda was part of the front of house team at Ls Mama Theatre for a decade where she produced a series of cabaret events called Cabaret á La Mama. In 2014 Melynda curated Punk Journey: St Kilda + Beyond and in 2017 Melynda curated St Kilda’s Alright: The Fred Negro Experience.
Melynda has also created a not-for-profit organisation called the Society for Australian Punk Inc. (SOAP)
“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed being part of the
Fred Negro exhibition at the BRIGHTSPACE Gallery in St. Kilda last year which I
was asked to officially open by Exhibition Coordinator, Melynda Von Wayward.
Firstly, it was great to see such a legendary artist as Fred finally get some
of the recognition he so rightly deserves after his illustrious 30 year plus
career. I love it when we honour our own home-grown talent.
Secondly, as a former journalist who spent 25 years at News Limited covering
the arts, I can honestly say that the event was one of the best organized exhibitions
I have ever been involved with. The opening was packed, and I was truly
amazed at such a large turnout. Melynda had obviously done her homework and put
lots of time into this project and I would happily be involved with anything
she ever organizes in the future. In fact, it’s people like Melynda that
the new Australian Music Vault at the Victorian Art Centre should be employing!" Paul Stewart (Lead singer - Painters and Dockers)