Stead has more than 10 years’ experience in community engagement, with a previous career in communication and public relations, as well as the roles of Artist Educator at the Museum of Contemporary Art (2020-present), and in the City of Sydney’s public art team, where he coordinated and led public programs (2020-2023). Independently, Stead has worked closely with art galleries and Local Government to devise and facilitate successful community engagement programs and workshops, including the Art Gallery of NSW, Mosman Art
Gallery, Sydney Opera House, as well as Parramatta, Waverley and Woollahra City Councils.