It is expected that Professor Wesley Enoch AM will replace Robert Morgan after a period of time as Acting Chair. Prof Wesley Enoch AM hails from Stradbroke Island (Minjeribah) and is a proud Quandamooka man, an internationally acclaimed playwright and artistic director, and the inaugural Indigenous Chair in the Creative Industries at Queensland University of Technology and a Professor of Indigenous Practice and Creative Industries.
He was Sydney Festival Director for five years, Artistic Director at Kooemba Jdarra Indigenous Performing Arts and the Ilbijerri Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Theatre Co-operative, a Director at Sydney Theatre Company and Artistic Director of the Queensland Theatre Company.
Robert Morgan saw the Australia Council for the Arts through its biggest transition in 50 years, when in 2023, it became Creative Australia, the centrepiece of the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy: Revive, a place for every story, a story for every place.
Creative Australia have said, “He has championed new forms of investment, new modes of delivery and new structures reflecting his belief in the power of the creative industries and the value of the arts. This includes the establishment of Music Australia, Creative Workplaces, First Nations Arts, and soon to be Writing Australia.
We thank Robert for his energy, insights, and advocacy in leading the organisation to this point, acknowledging his intention to hand over to a successor to continue this exciting work.”
All eyes will be on what happens next to the beleaguered Australia Pavilion at next years Venice Biennale.
Khaled Sabsabi and Michael Dagostino have indicated that if offered, they would be willing to press the reset button. They are still committed to representing Australia at the 61st International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia.
In a statement Mr Morgan said, “It has been a great honour to have served as the Chair of Creative Australia during the period of its establishment and supporting its ambitions for Australia’s artists, creators and cultural visionaries.”
“I am delighted Wesley Enoch will be the Acting Chair of Creative Australia, allowing me to retire having fulfilled my commitment to serve as Chairman until a successor was ready to step into the role.
“I have great confidence Creative Australia will continue to deliver its mandate to support Australia’s rich and diverse cultural life for all Australians under Wesley’s leadership.”
