OUR STORY
HireWorks at FireWorks has operated art rentals on a casual basis for decades. Recently revamped we are relaunching in 2025, now with a broader altruistic purpose. HireWorks not only provides clients with significant Aboriginal and other contemporary artworks, but also facilitates direct connections to the people and the stories that these works embody. Artists and representatives can meet with clients to help provide backstories and insights on the artworks, in situ or at focus events in the gallery - telling the stories that enhance the whole experience.
MEET THE DIRECTORS
Michael Eather is Managing Director. Peter Kearney is Financial Director.
Michael Eather was born in Launceston Tasmania
in 1963. In 1983 he received a Bachelor of Fine
Arts (Sculpture Major) Visual Arts Teaching
Tasmanian School of Art/University of Tasmania
before travelling to the Northern Territory. Michael has been working actively in the art industry since 1985 as a practitioner with extensive experience across Contemporary and Australian Indigenous art forms. In 1990 after working freelance at the Queensland Art
Gallery, he co-founded Campfire Group Projects aligned with collaboration and cross-cultural initiatives. Between 2001-2004 he curated two major survey exhibitions of Australian Indigenous art and education programs for
Sammlung Essl, Austria generating widespread
international interest. Michael has advised corporations, schools and universities as well as the Queensland Government on initiatives including an advisory role for the inaugural Cairns Indigenous Art Fair in 2009. He remains a practising artist whilst also Director of
FireWorks Gallery established in 1993 located in
Bowen Hills Brisbane.
Peter Kearney is an experienced long serving Chartered Accountant, still practising. He is a senior executive, business and tax consultant with over forty years’ experience in many industries, having worked in Australia, USA, UK and PNG. Peter has been deeply involved in charities, schools, strategic leadership,
governance and management in both not-for-profit and private sectors. He has deep experience in financial management, financial statements, budgets, and cash flows. Peter is Chair of Safe Places for Children, and Chair of their Audit Committee and WH&S Committee. He was a Director of Jabiru Community Services and Chair of their Finance Committee, Investment and Technology
Committee. He is a director of Stride Mental Health. He was previously a Board member at the Muscular Dystrophy Association (QLD). He is passionate about the education of all youth, especially the Indigenous youth of our country.