The Australia Council for the Arts today announced the appointment of Rose Hiscock as its new Executive Director of Arts Development.

Currently Head of Marketing, Communications and Commercial Operations at Museum Victoria, Rose will take up her new role in November and will provide leadership to the arts sector across audience and market development, research and analysis and strategic development.

Rose brings to the role more than 16 years experience in the arts sector and achievements that include a rebranding the museum to consolidate five independent venues into a family of brands and generating significant commercial growth across the museum’s venues.

She is credited with helping Museum Victoria attract a record 2.2 million visitors in 2010. Rose is also Chair of the celebrated contemporary Theatre Company, Back to Back Theatre.

“I’m delighted that Rose has accepted the role of Executive Director of Arts Development,” says Australia Council CEO, Kathy Keele.

“She is a prominent, well-regarded voice in the arts sector both here and abroad. Her experience and management of strategic research as it relates to audience and market development will be invaluable in the role as we continue to lead the sector with ground-breaking research such as More than bums on seats – Australian participation in the arts, and Artist careers.”

Rose will replace Sandra Bender who has taken the role of Head of Subscription Channels for the SBS subsidiary, PAN TV.