Chair Chosen for New ‘Arts’ Agency
24 October 2012 at 10:56 am
One of Australia's leading business figures and pioneers of social enterprise Carol Schwartz has been appointed as Chair of the new agency replacing the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) and Artsupport Australia.
Arts Minister Simon Crean named Carol Schwartz as Chair of the new (as yet unnamed) organisation given the task to attract private sector support through philanthropy, sponsorship and business for the arts and creative sectors.
"Carol Schwartz's strong mix of leadership, strategic planning and risk management skills will be invaluable in her role as Chair of this new philanthropic private sector support organisation," Crean said.
"Ms Schwartz's appointment will create and maximise the connections between artists, cultural organisations, business and donors to develop a new culture of giving in Australia.
"Her extensive business experience is coupled with a demonstrable commitment over many years to Australia's arts, philanthropic and community sectors.
"I would like to thank the boards and management of the Australia Council and AbaF and in particular chairs Mr Rupert Myer AM and Mr Terry Campbell AO for their leadership and for agreeing to be members of a steering committee that will guide the establishment of the new agency," Crean said.
The merger of AbaF and Artsupport to drive private sector support for the arts in Australia follows the recommendations of the recent review of private sector support for the arts by Harold Mitchell.
Carol Schwartz is currently the Director of Qualitas Property Partners, a former President of the Melbourne International Arts Festival and an Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of her contribution to business, commerce, community and the arts.
"AbaF and Artsupport have been hugely successful in encouraging and supporting philanthropy, both corporate and private, in the arts," Schwartz said.
"The merger of the two organisations shows we've moved on to the next stage where partnerships and collaboration in support of the arts are being acknowledged and built upon.
"It's a very exciting time to be involved in supporting the arts in Australia," Schwartz said.
Schwartz's appointment is for a term of three years from the date the new organisation commences in January 2013.
