Governance // Transparency
Accountable. Transparent. Trusted.
Australian Christian Arts Limited is an ACNC-registered charity. Here you'll find every policy, our board, our financials, and our legal structure, all publicly available.
- ABN31 644 225 758
- ACN644 225 758
- CFN27267
Legal & registration details
Australian Christian Arts Limited.
- Full legal name
- Australian Christian Arts Limited
- Entity type
- Public Company Limited by Guarantee
- ABN
- 31 644 225 758
- ACN
- 644 225 758
- Charity status
- ACNC Registered Charity · Tax-deductible giving via ACF
- Fundraising authority (CFN)
- 27267 · Valid 20/09/2024–19/09/2027
- Regulatory oversight
- ASIC · ACNC · NSW Fair Trading
- ABN note
- Same ABN since 2020. The company was formerly named Exalt Collective Limited.
ACNC Registered Charity
Australian Christian Arts Limited is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. Our charity status, financials, governance, and compliance record are publicly accessible on the ACNC Charity Register.
Company Limited by Guarantee
Limited Liability
Members are only liable for a nominal amount if the company is wound up, protecting individuals whilst maintaining accountability.
No Share Capital
We operate with members as guarantors rather than shareholders, reflecting our not-for-profit status and mission-focused approach.
Governance Compliance
Full compliance with the Corporations Act 2001 and ACNC governance standards, overseen by the Board.
Regular Reporting
We report annually to the ACNC. Our 2021 to 2023 statements are lodged; the 2024 and 2025 Annual Information Statements are outstanding and are being prepared for lodgement.
Our charity name history
One entity, one ABN, a new name.
2024 transition
In 2024 the company changed its name from Exalt Collective Limited to Australian Christian Arts Ltd. It is one continuous entity throughout, keeping the same ABN, ACN and ACNC charity registration, which has been held since September 2020. Nothing was transferred between organisations.
Continuity of purpose
The work begun under the Exalt Collective name continues seamlessly under the Australian Christian Arts banner, serving the Christian arts community with renewed vision and commitment. Because only the name changed, our registration details, governance standards and public accountability remain unchanged throughout.
Organisation structure
The structure behind the programs.
- AChAAustralian Christian ArtsMaster charity and parent organisation
- AChOAustralian Christian OrchestraEst. 2022 · Symphony orchestra
- AChCAustralian Christian ChoirEst. 2024 · Vocal ensemble
- AChPAustralian Christian ProductionsEst. 2023 · Events & production
- AChEAustralian Christian EventsEvent management arm
- AChYOAustralian Christian Youth OrchestraEst. 2026 · Ages 11–19
- AChYCAustralian Christian Youth ChoirEst. 2026 · Ages 11–19
Three-layer oversight model
Oversight in three layers.
Layer 1
Board of Directors
Strategic direction, financial accountability, welfare & risk. At least two orchestra members maintain 24/7 bank account access. Leon Shohmelian chairs the Annual General Meeting. The board bears ultimate liability for welfare and child protection.
Leon Shohmelian · Dr Zachary McPherson · Ryan Gilpin
Layer 2
Executive Committees
Operational management for each ensemble. Orchestra Committee active. Choir Committee forming 2026. Youth Executive and Youth Welfare Committees in formation.
Orchestra Exec · Choir Exec · Youth Exec (forming) · Youth Welfare (forming)
Layer 3
Core Teams
Day-to-day delivery. Ensemble senior and core teams, repertoire team, production senior and core team, and AChA-wide senior team.
Orchestra Senior · Choir Senior · Youth Senior · Repertoire · Production · AChA Senior
Board of Directors 2025–26
Our board of directors: the people accountable to you.
Ryan Gilpin
Founder & CEO
Pianist, composer, and creative director with 15+ years spanning orchestral performance, worship leading, production design, and large-scale event coordination across Australia and the UK. Background in pastoral family life, theology and ministry training. Founded the Australian Christian Orchestra in 2022 and established Australian Christian Arts Limited as the parent charity.
Areas of responsibility
- Creative direction
- Strategy & vision
- Community building
- Music production
Leon Shohmelian
Board Member · AGM Chair
Principal Solicitor of Shohmelian Legal, a Sydney boutique firm. Holds a Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Laws, and Master of Laws. Approximately 20 years of experience in commercial practice, property law, retirement-village and aged-care law, estates, and corporate governance. Director and Vice-President of a local chamber of commerce. Focuses on community and educational initiatives, transparency, integrity, and accessible legal advice.
Areas of responsibility
- Corporate governance
- Commercial law
- Property & estates
- Organisational compliance
Dr Zachary Edward McPherson
Board Member
Medical doctor and researcher specialising in ophthalmology and retinal studies, affiliated with the University of Newcastle. Published multiple papers on retinal function, laboratory medicine, and translational health research. Brings a perspective on health, safety, inclusion, accessibility, and pastoral care to the board.
Areas of responsibility
- Health & safety oversight
- Research & evidence
- Inclusion & accessibility
- Pastoral care
The Board's Role
The Board meets regularly to review operations, discuss strategic initiatives, and ensure prudent decision-making while upholding our foundational values, particularly as a founder-led entity.
Governance & Strategic Direction
The Board approves all policies, major organisational changes, annual budgets, major contracts, and partnership agreements, providing strategic guidance aligned with our mission and charitable purposes.
Financial Accountability
Ensuring financial integrity, at least two orchestra members maintain 24/7 access to AChA bank accounts for real-time monitoring. The Board rigorously reviews budgets, financial statements, and yearly reports to ensure responsible stewardship.
Welfare, Risk & Compliance
The Board assumes ultimate liability for all welfare and child protection matters, reviews risk management frameworks, ensures Working With Children Check compliance, and oversees incident reporting and safeguarding across all programs.
Annual General Meeting
Leon Shohmelian chairs the AGM and fields questions independently, providing appropriate separation between founder leadership and governance accountability, reinforcing transparency and best practice.
Contact the board: board@australianchristianarts.com
Accountability // Board mandate
Governance & strategic direction, financial accountability, welfare, risk & compliance.
Board of Directors mandate
Financials // 2025
Where the money goes.
$198,754
Total income 2025
$4,226
Net surplus
100%
Non-executive directors unpaid
34.3%
Contractors & production
22.1%
Wages
10.1%
Venue hire
9.4%
Administration
8.3%
Marketing
Policies & reports
Full transparency: every document public.
Annual Financial Report 2025
Our 2025 annual financial report, published in full. As a small charity we are not required to have it audited or reviewed, and it has not been.
Child Safety Policy
AChA is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children in our programs. All leaders hold current Working With Children Checks. Youth and adult programs are completely separate. Our child safety policy sets out our commitment, reporting procedures, and safeguarding practices.
Statement of Faith
We are an ecumenical community that affirms the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed (381 AD). Our statement of faith unites Christians across denominations around the essentials of the gospel. We hold 66 books of the Old and New Testaments as our common scriptural foundation, while recognising that some traditions include additional books.
Privacy Policy
How we collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles.
Refund Policy
Our refund and cancellation policy for memberships, concerts, and program fees.
Talent Release Policy
Policy governing photography, video recording, and media use at AChA events.
2025 AGM Report
Minutes and outcomes from the 2025 Annual General Meeting.
Give // Ask
Questions about how we're run?
Every policy, report and financial statement on this page is public. If you need something that is not here, ask us.
