The Australia Council for the Arts today expressed its sadness at the passing of Dr Jean Battersby, the organisation’s first chief executive.
Dr Battersby was a pioneering influence on the arts in Australia, having worked to create the Federal Government’s arts funding agency and manage its transformation into the Australia Council for the Arts.
She spent the next decade at the helm of the organisation, followed by a lengthy career working as an arts consultant and advocate.
Australia Council chief executive officer Kathy Keele paid tribute to Dr Battersby’s distinguished career.
‘Dr Battersby left an indelible mark on Australia’s arts and culture. Her determination to build a system of federal government funding for the arts from the ground up has left a legacy that lives on today,’ she said.
‘She was a true visionary who inspired an entire generation of arts administrators to continue her work in underpinning the creation of great Australian art.’
The Australia Council joins with the rest of the arts community in mourning her passing.
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