Paul Reader is an independent researcher and community development worker. Over the last five years he has contributed to Professional Development and Leadership programs at the University of New England, Australia, and undertaken various consultancy projects, while also completing doctoral research. Postgraduate students and researchers in units he coordinated came from a wide range of industries, including health and defence force training, social service and education. His doctoral thesis (2007) Painterly Methodology: painting and digital inquiry in adult learning explored the application of painterly and visual methods in research, with a strong emphasis on the relationship between consciousness, theory and inquiry through visual practice. An advocate of the wider benefits of visual art practice, his Masters research (M.Ed - Hons) Just A Pretty Picture? The practising artist and the influence of art education in the lives of visual arts graduates (2001) researched art-school graduates, seven or more years after their graduation. His community development practice has extended over 20 years in Australia including; 3 Australia Council projects, other community arts, indigenous, environment and adult education projects. In 1999, ALN developed its first online project, drawing course for home-educators in Australia and North America. He coordinated the Community Technology Centre Program in New England/North West Region for the NSW Office of Information Technology from 2001-2003. Most recently he has supported Australian Research Council funded projects with hypermedia support and also evaluated youth arts intervention programs. Since 1999 he has also managed the Australian Contemporary Arts Mailing List (ACAM) which originated at Monash University. His career began in British art festivals and contemporary arts of the 1970s (See Art + Community)