New Chair and Deputy Chair for Australia Council
Monday, 25 June 2012
James Strong, outgoing Chair of the Australia Council for the Arts, says he and the Council members and management are all delighted with the appointment of Rupert Myer AM as Chair and Robyn Archer AO as Deputy Chair, as announced by Minister for the Arts, Simon Crean this morning.
The appointments provide a powerful combination of business skills and contemporary arts practice, which will guide the Australia Council through a critical phase as it approaches the outcomes of the Australia Council review and the unveiling of the National Cultural Policy.
Rupert Myer brings extensive leadership and planning experience gained across a number of arts and cultural advisory boards. He is a former Chairman of the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria Foundation and chaired the Commonwealth Government Enquiry into the Contemporary Visual Arts and Craft Sector.
Rupert is regarded as a leader in arts philanthropy and became a Member of the Order of Australia in January 2005 for service to the arts, for support to museums and galleries, and to the community through a range of philanthropic and service organisations.
“Rupert is an excellent choice to lead the Australia Council,” says James Strong, whose term as chair of the Australia Council comes to an end on 30 June. “He has exceptional business acumen and an instinct for good governance.”
“He understands the arts and, perhaps most importantly, believes in the centrality of the artist in the ecology of creative organisations, agencies and cultural institutions – a belief which is at the core of all the Australia Council does.”
Robyn Archer is a singer, writer, director, artistic director and public advocate of the arts. She has extensive experience as an artistic director of national and international arts festivals, including the Melbourne International Arts Festival.
She is currently the creative director of the Centenary of Canberra in 2013 and last year was program director for the 5th World Summit on Arts and Culture. In 2001 she was the artistic director of the inaugural 10 Days on the Island festival in Tasmania, instantly establishing it as the state’s premier cultural event.
“Robyn’s vision for the arts is inspiring,” says James. “And it’s her ability to turn that vision into something tangible that makes her one of the country’s truly great artistic leaders. Whether she’s singing, writing, directing a play or directing a festival, she consistently delivers excellence in art.”
Robyn succeeds John Denton in the role of Deputy Chair as his term concludes.
“It’s been a rewarding time serving as Chair of the Australia Council,” says James. “The board is a diverse and talented one and I would like to thank the members for their support during my terms.”
“I leave knowing the organisation is in good hands, these are wonderful appointments.”
The arts community paid respect to James Strong at an event at the Australia Council last night. Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton of Sydney Theatre Company noted James’ long term commitment to the arts. Other attendees included former arts Ministers Helen Coonan and Peter Garrett, who also read a statement from Simon Crean, congratulating James on his term as Chairman.
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