James Strong AO, chairman of the Australia Council for the Arts, today welcomed the appointment of Kathy Keele as the organisation’s new chief executive officer.

The appointment of Ms Keele, formerly the executive director of the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF), was announced this afternoon by the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator the Hon Rod Kemp.

‘We are delighted that Kathy has been appointed to lead the Australia Council,’ Mr Strong said.

‘From our previous work together at AbaF, I have seen firsthand how well Kathy combines her knowledge of and passion for the arts sector with her extensive commercial experience.

‘Kathy has the ability to connect with and champion the arts sector – from major companies through to smaller organisations and individual artists – and build strong partnerships with the business sector and with government.

‘Before joining AbaF, Kathy worked in a variety of senior corporate and marketing communication roles in the US and Australia – notably in the telecommunications sector.

‘During her time at AbaF, she was a key driver in raising the profile of artists and arts organisations with key business players.

‘It is these skills across corporate and community relations, business development and marketing that will hold her in good stead at the Australia Council.

‘I look forward to working with Kathy to support the arts sector, and to continue to build its capacity to present more great Australian work to more Australians,’ Mr Strong said.

The Australia Council is the Australian Government’s principal arts funding and advisory body.