Jessica Machin, Country Arts WA's newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, has hit the ground running in what she expects will be a busy and exciting time for regional arts in Western Australia.
Ms Machin finished her tenure as CEO/Artistic Director at Carclew Youth Arts in Adelaide with a bang, hosting the 16th ASSITEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival, one of the world's most important cultural events for young people in May.
Ms Machin said of her new appointment, "I am absolutely thrilled to be back in Western Australia. I remember waving to my family at the airport, all those years ago, about to embark on the WAAPA acting graduate tour in 1990 and shouting out 'See you all in 6 weeks'. Well 18 years later here I am and what a journey it has been and such an exciting time to be back in WA - especially with the recent announcement by the State Government of the IGNITE funding package for the Arts".
Jessica has a long history in the arts, particularly areas involving work with children and young people and working with Indigenous Artists and communities. She has been recognised nationally and internationally as a successful advocate and fund raiser for the arts, has founded three independent theatre companies and has produced works for major festivals in Australia and two international collaborations.
Previous to her work at Carclew Youth Arts Ms Machin was the General Manager at Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) in Sydney and prior to that was an Independent Producer, with clients such as the East Coast Theatre Company, Australia Day Council of New South Wales, Australian Youth Orchestra and The Burning House Theatre Company, led by Richard Roxburgh.
Jessica is currently the Chair of State of Play (NSW), an organisation committed to creating work over a long period of time and producing new Australian theatrical work every 2-3 years. Jessica co-founded the organization in 2000 with Julian Louis and the late Nick Enright and in June was elected onto the Regional Arts Australia board.
Country Arts WA is an independent not-for-profit organisation that ensures regional communities are able to use culture and the arts as part of their community's development and celebrations.
Country Arts WA receives funding to deliver programs on behalf of the State and Federal governments.
The organisation is membership-based, with members who are primarily regionally-based practitioners and supporters of the arts.
To arrange interviews or for enquiries contact:
Anita Field
08 9200 6202 or freecall 1800 811 883
info@countryartswa.asn.au
