The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced the three-year appointment of Ms Kathy Keele as Chief Executive Officer of the Australia Council, the Australian Government’s principal arts funding body.

“I am delighted Ms Keele has accepted this key leadership position and look forward to her contribution to the important work of the Australia Council,” Senator Kemp said.

“She has extensive business experience gained in the United States of America and Australia through her work in corporate and community relations, business development, marketing and sales which will be a valuable asset for the Australia Council,” Senator Kemp said.

“The range of high-level skills and experience she brings to her new role at the Australia Council will help to ensure the council’s activities continue to be effective.”

Ms Keele has been the Australia Business Arts Foundation’s (AbaF) Executive Director since 2005. In this role, she has been successful in boosting private sector support for the arts.

During her time at AbaF, Ms Keele worked closely with all of Australia’s major cultural institutions and companies, and with smaller companies and individual artists, developing a sound knowledge of and close involvement in the arts sector.

The AbaF Board will commence a recruitment process to replace Ms Keele shortly. In the transition period, Ms Jane Haley, Director, Program Development will act as AbaF’s Executive Director until the position is filled permanently.

The Australia Council received funding of $149 million from the Australian Government in 2006-07.