- Published:
- Wednesday 14 October 2015
Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley today announced the appointment of James MacKenzie as the new President of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust, which oversees the iconic Arts Centre Melbourne.
Arts Centre Melbourne, which includes Hamer Hall, the spire-topped Theatres Building and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, is Australia’s largest performing arts complex. Last year the centre welcomed more than 2.6 million people to performances, exhibitions, festivals and public and education programs.
Next year will see Arts Centre Melbourne host more than 4,000 performances and events, including the second Melbourne Ring Cycle season with Opera Australia, and premiere exhibitions showcasing items from its extensive Performing Arts Collection.
Originally a chartered accountant, Mr MacKenzie has extensive experience in the private and public sectors. He has been Managing Director of Funds Management and Insurance at ANZ, CEO of Norwich Union Australia, and director of several publicly listed companies, including property developer Mirvac Group and Pacific Brands Ltd. Mr MacKenzie was CEO of the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) from 1994-97, and later served as Chairman of the TAC and of WorkSafe Victoria from 2000-07. Between 2001-2011, he was a Director of the Victorian Major Events Company.
Mr MacKenzie is currently the chair of the Victorian Funds Management Corporation, chair of the Board of Partners of professional services firm, ShineWing Australia, and a director of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.
He will begin as President of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust in December. He succeeds Tom Harley, who has served as President since 2012.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“James MacKenzie will be an outstanding president. He takes the reins at an exciting time for Arts Centre Melbourne, which last year experienced a 10 percent growth in performance attendances.”
“James MacKenzie’s significant experience in international finance and in public administration, and interest in the Creative Industries, stands him in good stead to lead Arts Centre Melbourne. The Andrews Labor Government treasures the centre as an invaluable state asset, a major Victorian business and a flagship cultural contributor to Melbourne and Victoria.”
“I thank outgoing President Tom Harley for his active leadership in laying the foundations for sustainability and growth.”
Quotes attributable to incoming Arts Centre Melbourne President James MacKenzie
“My ten years as a Director of the Victorian Major Events Company reinforced for me the critical role that the arts sector plays in Victoria’s economy and the cultural vibrancy of the state.”
“Of equal importance is the role that the arts, and Arts Centre Melbourne itself, plays in Melbourne’s undisputed crown as the world’s most liveable city.”
“I look forward to working closely with the Trustees, CEO Claire Spencer and the broader team at Arts Centre Melbourne to take the organisation into a new period of growth.”