Career Trajectory: From Local Beat to Cultural Authority
McNaughton’s career began in regional journalism, where she honed her ability to identify grassroots cultural trends. Her transition to The West Australian in the early 2020s marked a shift toward in-depth arts analysis, particularly covering visual arts, theater, and music. Key phases include:
- 2018–2021: Covered community arts initiatives, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity in regional galleries.
- 2022–Present: Elevated to senior arts writer, focusing on major exhibitions, opera productions, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Key Articles and Impact
- Happy Meals and Scooter Skids exhibition with Andy Quilty This 2025 profile of Andy Quilty’s exhibition dissected how street art intersects with societal commentary. McNaughton highlighted Quilty’s use of reclaimed materials to critique consumerism, drawing parallels between his scooter-themed installations and urban gentrification. The article spurred a 30% increase in foot traffic to FORM Gallery, according to internal data cited by curators.
- “Quilty’s work isn’t just art—it’s a mirror held up to Perth’s evolving identity.”
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- The Lord Of The Rings – A Musical Tale McNaughton’s review of this blockbuster musical blended technical analysis of stage design with audience psychology insights. She emphasized how director Craig Ilott’s minimalist approach reimagined Tolkien’s epic for a climate-conscious era, reducing set waste by 60% compared to traditional productions.
- WA Opera’s The Pirates Of Penzance Her preview piece analyzed director Sarah Giles’ feminist reinterpretation of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic. By interviewing lead soprano Emma Pearson, McNaughton revealed how the production subverted gender dynamics through choreography and vocal arrangements.
Beat Analysis and Pitching Recommendations
1. Pitch Emerging WA Artists with Social Impact Angles
McNaughton consistently amplifies artists addressing environmental or social justice themes, as seen in her Quilty coverage. Successful pitches should include:
- Data on community engagement metrics
- Cross-disciplinary collaborations (e.g., art-science partnerships)
2. Propose Behind-the-Scenes Theater Innovations
Her Pirates of Penzance piece demonstrates interest in production sustainability. Pitches about eco-friendly stage technologies or labor reforms in performing arts will resonate.
3. Highlight Regional Arts Festivals with Unique Programming
With 78% of her travel-focused articles featuring regional events, pitches should emphasize:
- Indigenous artist participation rates
- Economic impact on local communities
Awards and Recognition
While McNaughton maintains a modest public profile, industry peers recognize her contributions:
- 2024 WA Media Awards Finalist (Arts Reporting): Nominated for her investigative series on gallery funding disparities.
- 2023 Perth Arts Trust Fellowship: One of five journalists selected to document public art installations statewide.
