Australian Christian Arts Limited: Oversight, Accountability Structures & Governance
A registered not-for-profit organisation committed to transparency, accountability, and Christian values
Our Legal Structure
Australian Christian Arts Limited (AChA) is an Australian Public Company, Limited By Guarantee, registered as a not-for-profit organisation with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). Our structure reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and our non-profit status.
Company Type
Public Company Limited By Guarantee
Status
Registered Not-for-Profit Organisation
Registration
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
Legal Registration Details
Official Name
AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN ARTS LIMITED
Australian Company Number
ACN: 644 225 758
Australian Business Number
ABN: 31 644 225 758
Charitable Fundraising Authority
CFN/27267
Valid from 20/09/2024 to 19/09/2027
Regulatory Oversight
Australian Christian Arts operates under the supervision of multiple regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with Australian law and maintaining the highest standards of governance and accountability.
Australian Securities and Investments Commission
ASIC oversees our company registration and ensures compliance with the Corporations Act 2001.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
ACNC regulates our charitable status and ensures we meet governance standards for not-for-profit organisations.
NSW Fair Trading
NSW Fair Trading supervises our charitable fundraising activities, ensuring transparency and compliance with fundraising regulations.
Company Structure Details
As a company limited by guarantee (CLG), Australian Christian Arts operates under specific characteristics that distinguish us from traditional companies.
01
Limited Liability
Members are only liable for a nominal amount if the company is wound up, protecting individual members whilst maintaining accountability.
02
No Share Capital
We operate with members as guarantors rather than shareholders, reflecting our not-for-profit status and mission-focused approach.
03
Governance Compliance
Our Board ensures full compliance with the Corporations Act 2001 and ACNC governance standards.
04
Regular Reporting
We submit annual financial reports and Information Statements to ACNC, maintaining transparency with stakeholders and the public.
Our Charity Name History
2024 Transition
In 2024, Australian Christian Arts took on the charitable status previously held by Exalt Collective, maintaining the same ABN and ACN. This significant transition was made possible due to shared charitable purposes and missions between the two organisations.
This continuity ensures that the important work begun under Exalt Collective continues seamlessly under the Australian Christian Arts banner, serving the Christian arts community with renewed vision and commitment.
Board of Directors 2025-26
Leon Shohmelian
Board Member
Leon Shohmelian is the Principal Solicitor of Shohmelian Legal, a boutique Sydney-based firm known for clear communication, ethical practice, and a client-centred approach. With nearly twenty years of experience in the legal sector, Leon holds a Bachelor of Economics, a Bachelor of Laws, and a Master of Laws, giving him a strong foundation across commercial practice, property, retirement-village and aged-care law, estates, and corporate governance.
Throughout his career, Leon has held leadership positions in community and professional organisations, including serving as a Director and Vice-President of his local chamber of commerce, as well as supporting a range of educational and cultural initiatives. His work reflects a commitment to transparency, integrity, and accessible legal advice - values that align closely with our organisation’s mission and culture.
Leon brings to our board a steady, thoughtful, and solutions-focused mind. His expertise strengthens our governance, risk management, and compliance frameworks, while his heart for community ensures that our decisions are always grounded in care, accountability, and long-term vision.
Dr Zachary Edward McPherson
Board Member
Dr Zachary Edward McPherson is a medical doctor and researcher whose academic and clinical work spans ophthalmology, retinal studies, laboratory research, and broader contributions to medical science in Australia. His research portfolio includes multiple published papers and collaborations, particularly through the University of Newcastle, where he has explored topics related to retinal function, laboratory medicine, and translational health research.
Zachary’s professional background reflects a deep commitment to human wellbeing. His experience as both clinician and researcher gives him a unique capacity for analytical problem-solving, compassion, and careful ethical reasoning. His presence on the board enriches our organisational awareness of health, safety, inclusion, accessibility, and pastoral care - especially vital for an arts organisation committed to welcoming people from all walks of life, including those with diverse physical, sensory, or emotional needs.
Thoughtful, measured, and deeply people-oriented, Zachary brings a perspective that balances intellect with empathy, helping us shape a culture of care as we serve our community through the arts.
Ryan Gilpin
Founder & CEO
Ryan Gilpin is a pianist, composer, creative director, and arts leader with over 15 years of experience spanning orchestral performance, worship leading, production design, and large-scale event coordination across Australia and the United Kingdom. His career has included collaborations with symphony orchestras, Christian artists, theatre-makers, and educational institutions, as well as work in songwriting, musical direction, choreography support, and creative leadership.
Ryan’s formation as an artist has always been interwoven with ministry. Having grown up in a pastoral family and later training in theology and ministry, he carries a deep belief in the power of beauty, art, and worship to draw people to God. His passion for uniting artistry with discipleship led him to establish the Australian Christian Orchestra & Choir - a movement dedicated to reclaiming the arts for Christ, championing musical excellence, and creating spaces marked by grace, welcome, and spiritual depth.
Ryan brings to the organisation both vision and practicality: a creative imagination for what the arts can become, and a disciplined understanding of event management, team leadership, artistic development, and community building. His leadership is marked by warmth, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to cultivating an environment where musicians, singers, and creatives of all ages can grow, serve, and experience the presence of God through their craft.