PAC Australia to farewell Executive Director Rick Heath

January 20, 2020

Helen O’Neil, President, Performing Arts Connections Australia, has announced that the body’s Executive Director Rick Heath, will leave in February 2020 to take up the role of Executive Director at Perth’s Black Swan State Theatre Company.

O’Neil advised “the Board thanks Rick for his service to PAC Australia and APACA over 12 years and congratulates him on achieving his next role. He is leaving the organisation having created great opportunities for the future of the association and its members.

“We thank him for taking the sector from a touring network to a truly key position at the heart of live performance and community life.

Commenting on his role with the national peak body representing and supporting performing arts presenters and creators, Heath (pictured above) stated “it has been a privilege to serve the PAC Australia membership and lead sector-wide development.

“I am very proud of the changes we’ve achieved in the relationship between arts presenters and arts creators – this is a win-win outcome for creative practice and the communities we all serve.”

Heath, who has served PAC Australia as Executive Director for 12 years, has over 30 years’ experience in the arts sector both in Western Australia as well as nationally

As a fellow of the Devos Institute of Arts Management in Washington DC, USA - of which there are only two in Australia – he brings extensive experience in producing and executive leadership as well as a robust global arts network.

Looking forward to his new role, he added “in my opinion Black Swan State Theatre Company is one of Western Australia’s greatest cultural assets.

“I feel very proud and humbled to be selected to lead Black Swan and build on its extraordinary legacy.

“As a Western Australian, my personal investment and commitment to developing and celebrating our unique cultural identity in meaningful ways, for audiences, artists and the broader community, is relentless.”

Katherine Connor (Producer and Programs Manager) will be PAC Australia’s interim Executive Director from 10th February.

Recruitment for the Executive Director’s replacement will commence in February.

19th December 2019 - PAC Australia announces merger of key national performing arts events

13th September 2019 - Cairns Performing Arts Centre sees rise in attendance and ticket sales

12th September 2019 - Digital transformation cuts Mandurah Performing Arts Centre workload by 60%

9th September 2019 - Touring regional performing arts to receive $1.6 million federal funding

5th September 2019 - Builder announced for new Brisbane South Bank performing arts theatre

30th August 2019 - Dubbo Regional Theatre receives Drover Award as PAC Australia Performing Arts Centre of the Year

27th August 2019 - PAC Australia’s Annual Conference and Performing Arts Exchange opens on the Sunshine Coast

21st August 2019 - Major installation set to light up Geelong Performing Arts Centre

22nd July 2019 - 2019 Australian Performing Arts Exchange to focus on programming and marketing

16th July 2019 - Cairns Performing Arts Centre shortlisted for international design award

9th June 2019 - Geelong Performing Arts Centre redevelopment gets $120 million boost

27th May 2019 - Goulburn Mulwaree Council advances plans for performing arts venue

25th May 2019 - Redeveloped Alexander Theatre opens at Monash University as part of new performing arts centre

12th May 2019 - Australian Major Performing Arts Group welcomes Labor’s ambitious cultural policy

18th April 2019 - New Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre to be named Sydney Coliseum Theatre

10th October 2014 - Partners back Black Swan State Theatre Company

3rd July 2014 - Value of the Arts explored at APACA’s annual conference

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