The board to lead Australia’s largest ever cultural infrastructure project has been appointed as the Victorian Government breaks ground on the Melbourne Arts Precinct.
Minister for Creative Industries, Steve Dimopoulos today announced the nine-member board for Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co) – the entity spearheading the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project.
“This history-making and city-shaping project will elevate Melbourne as a global creative and cultural city,” said Mr Dimopoulos.
“I look forward to working with the board to bring our vision to life.”
MAP Co has been established to oversee the precinct revamp which includes The Fox: NGV Contemporary, along with extensive refurbishment of Arts Centre Melbourne’s iconic State Theatre and the addition of new cafes, restaurants, and 18,000 square metres of new green public space.
MAP Co will also operate and manage Fed Square and when complete, connect the precinct, public space and shared services supporting NGV and Arts Centre.
The board will be chaired by experienced company director and chartered accountant, James MacKenzie, chairperson of the Victorian Funds Management Corporation, the Suburban Rail Loop Authority Board and Slater & Gordon Lawyers. Mr MacKenzie chaired the Interim Melbourne Arts Precinct Board.
The remaining board members are:
- Peter Konidaris, national managing partner of PwC’s Government, Health and Infrastructure business.
- Paul Barker, member of the Victorian Arts Centre Trust and former chairperson of Fed Square Pty Ltd.
- Cath Bowtell, CEO of Industry Fund Services and Chair of the Royal Women’s Hospital Board.
- Aneetha de Silva, Managing Director Government for Aurecon Group.
- Belinda Duarte, CEO of Culture is Life and former co-chair of Reconciliation Victoria.
- Tony Ellwood AM, Director of the National Gallery of Victoria.
- Ari Suss, CEO of Fox Special Projects Group.
- Christine Wyatt, independent urban strategist and Deputy Chair of the Suburban Rail Loop Authority Board.
“The MAP Co board of directors bring to the table the considerable experience and skill needed to oversee the transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct into the inviting and vibrant cultural hub of our state,” said MAP Co CEO, Katrina Sedgwick.