12 October 2016
Australia and Singapore will strengthen cultural cooperation with the support of a new AustraliaSingapore Arts Group.
The AustraliaSingapore Arts Group was established in May 2016 to build on the commitment both countries made following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Arts and Culture in 2015.
The group includes representatives from Australia and Singapore with strong arts sector experience, government and business skills and is jointly chaired by Mr Mat Trinca, Director, National Museum of Australia and Mrs Rosa Daniel, Deputy Secretary (Culture) at the Singapore Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth. The Australian and Singaporean High Commissioners will participate as ex officio members.
New Australian members announced today are Mr Douglas Gautier AM, Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival Centre and Chair of the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres; Professor Susan Street AO, Executive Director of the Queensland University of Technology Precincts; and Ms Claire Spencer, Chief Executive Officer of the Arts Centre Melbourne.
The Singaporean members are Ms Angelita Teo, Director of the National Museum of Singapore; Ms Kathy Lai, Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore National Arts Council; and Ms Chong Siak Ching, Chief Executive Officer of the National Gallery of Singapore.
The group will meet regularly to provide advice and recommendations which will drive an ongoing program of cultural activities in both countries to enhance our cultural relations, develop professional skills and cultivate audiences.