Australia Council Chair Mr Rupert Myer AO has today announced the appointment of Mr Adrian Collette AM as the new Chair of the Council’s Major Performing Arts (MPA) Panel.

“I am delighted that Adrian has accepted this appointment and acknowledge the critical role of the MPA Panel in supporting the Council’s oversight of the MPA framework, and their strategic advice on company and sector issues,” Mr Myer said.

“Adrian brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise about Australia’s performing arts sector and the MPA framework, as well as a great passion for arts education and performance more broadly. He is a highly respected member of the Australia Council Board and I am very thankful he is also willing to take on this leadership role.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to outgoing Chair Mr Julian Knights on behalf of the Australia Council Board and staff. Julian’s leadership has been invaluable over many years, including Chairing the final MPA Board and the inaugural MPA Panel, as well as his membership on the Australia Council Board until 2013.  Julian has promoted wide ranging national engagement with the MPA companies and been generous with his time and support for Council staff and panel members.

Australia Council Executive Director MPA and National Engagement Lissa Twomey also thanked Mr Knights for his invaluable strategic and practical advice, acknowledging the mark he had made during his time as Chair and the support provided to the Council.

Ms Twomey echoed Mr Myer’s welcome to Mr Collette.

“I look forward to working closely with Adrian as the new Chair of the MPA Panel.  His depth of understanding of the MPA sector will assist us greatly in ensuring the ongoing vibrancy of this part of the Australian arts ecology,” Ms Twomey said.

New MPA Panel Chair Mr Adrian Collette AM said he was looking forward to working with his colleagues at the Australia Council to support the MPA companies, and acknowledged their vital contribution to the cultural ambition of our nation.

“Between them the MPA companies employ over 7000 artists, creative and technical people and another 2700 in arts management administration. They reach nearly 4 million people with their activities, either as audience members or through their many regional, educational, or young artist development programs. These companies also work in collaboration with many other arts organisations, and help  sustain the cultural venues and meeting places around our country. I look forward to working with the MPA Panel members and my Australia Council colleagues to support such endeavour, ” Mr Collette said.

The Major Performing Arts Panel operates on behalf of the Australia Council principally to monitor the National Framework for Governments’ Support of the Major Performing Arts Sector, the performance of the MPA companies and to provide strategic advice on critical company issues to the Australia Council.