Melissa Jackson (OW1987) recently ran the Flinders Fringe Festival as its Artistic Director. A multi-talented artist, she has many strings to her bow: textile artist, knitwear designer and opera singer. But above all, she is renowned for her innovative and contemporary millinery creations. Melissa brought 30 years of creative output, imagination, collaborative experience, and community-focused arts practice to her role.
Her goal as Artistic Director was to celebrate local talent, bring the community together after several difficult years, and support local businesses. Melissa notes, ‘Our festival [was] about rejuvenating and revitalising not only our artists and their talents, but also audiences like us who appreciate them.’
The Mornington Peninsula is Melissa’s favourite place and where she feels most at home. She was proud to bring the Flinders Fringe Festival to life as a new thread in the rich tapestry of local arts festivals dotted throughout Victoria.
A graduate of the Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design in London, Melbourne-based Melissa boasts an impressive following among serious race goers, celebrities, and the fashion elite.
Her unique pieces, individually crafted by hand using the finest quality materials, have been commissioned by a variety of Melbourne fashion houses. Notably, she is represented in the textile collection of the National Gallery of Victoria. Sculptural, colourful, minimal and classic, with a twist – Melissa’s millinery style is distinctly recognisable.
