The Australia Council mourns the death in Sydney on Sunday 3 March 2013 of its former Chair Mr James Strong AO.
James Strong led the Australia Council as its Chair from 2006 to 2012. He was a passionate and highly respected advocate for the arts, blending business acumen with a love for arts and culture.
Prior to becoming Chair of the Australia Council, Mr Strong played an active leadership role in the arts. He made a significant contribution to the sector, serving on many arts company boards. He was a director of Opera Australia, Chair of the Sydney Theatre Company, Chair of Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and Chair of the Australia Business Arts Foundation.
Mr Strong led the 2005 Orchestras Review, which resulted in the orchestras’ independence from the ABC, establishment as statutory bodies and increased investment from the federal government. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2006 for services to business and to the arts, as an administrator and as a philanthropist.
I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of James Strong. He has made an enduring contribution to the arts in Australia and will be missed by the Australian arts sector,’ said Australia Council Chair Mr Rupert Myer AM. James brought a dynamic combination of corporate experience and deep passion for the arts. He was a great friend to Australia’s artists and a distinguished cultural leader.’
His legacy is a strong and vibrant Australian arts sector of significant international standing.’
The Australia Council community extends deepest sympathy to his wife Jeanne-Claude, sons Nick and Sam, and James’ many friends.
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