MARION Welcomes Patrons
MARION appoints Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello OAM and Craig Cormick OAM as Patrons.
MARION is delighted to announce the appointment of Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello OAM and Craig Cormick OAM as patrons of the organisation.
Martiniello and Cormick become only the third and fourth people to hold this role for our organisation. Previous Patrons Rosemary Dobson AO and Marion Halligan AM were both extraordinary advocates for literature and for writers, with their legacy continuing to resonate through our organisation today. Both MARION staff and members of the Board are honoured to continue this tradition in welcoming both Martiniello and Cormick as our new Patrons.
MARION CEO and Artistic Director Katy Mutton said that these appointments not only recognise the achievements of Martinello and Cormick as individual artists, but celebrate their longstanding commitment to other artists and storytellers and nurturing our broader creative communities.
“Both Jennifer and Craig have made lasting contributions to literature, the arts and community life, but what stands out most is their commitment to supporting others. Jennifer’s work reminds us that storytelling takes many forms. Through literature, visual arts, education and community engagement, she has helped people find ways to express themselves, share experiences and connect with others. Likewise, Craig has spent much of his career connecting people with ideas through writing, conversation and storytelling. Together they embody the generosity, creativity and community spirit that MARION seeks to foster.”
- Katy Mutton, CEO
Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello OAM is an award-winning poet, visual artist and educator whose work has enriched the cultural life of Canberra and beyond. The author of numerous poetry, fiction and nonfiction publications, including the acclaimed poetry collection Shapeshifting, she has spent decades contributing to Australia's literary and artistic communities. A founder of the ACT Indigenous Writers Group and a long-standing member of the ACT's Us Mob Writing Group, Jennifer has supported generations of writers through mentorship, advocacy and cultural leadership. She has also served on the AIATSIS Aboriginal Studies Press Advisory Committee and as a judge for the NSW and Queensland Premier's Literary Awards, including the David Unaipon Award for Indigenous Literature.
Craig Cormick OAM is an award-winning author, science communicator and cultural advocate whose connection with the organisation dates back to its beginnings. A founding member and former Chair of the ACT Writers Centre (now trading as MARION), Cormick has helped shape and support Canberra’s literary community through his writing, mentorship, advocacy and leadership. His most recent book, Warra Warra Wai, co-authored with Darren Rix, won the Australian History Prize at the NSW Premier's History Awards, ACT Book of the Year and was shortlisted for the 2025 Prime Minister’s Literary Awards. Through his books, research, public programs and science communication work, he has connected readers with complex ideas, history and storytelling for decades while championing the importance of literature in public life.
As Patrons, Martiniello and Cormick will serve as advocates for MARION and its community, helping champion and elevate writers and their art.
Their appointment reflects MARION’s commitment to supporting writers at all stages of their creative lives and recognises the role storytelling, creativity and cultural participation play in building connected communities.
These appointments will be formally celebrated at a special gathering of MARION members and friends at Smith’s Alternative on Tuesday 16 June. Please RSVP below and join us. Tickets are $5.
