The single biggest challenge for Ausdance National in the coming months is the election of a new skills-based National Council at the March 2017 Annual General Meeting. The formal call for nominations has now opened and members have until 17 February 2017 to nominate yourself or a colleague to join the new Council.
If you care about the future of dance in Australia, and of its peak professional body, then please take some time to consider whether you or any individuals you know have the skills and experience to contribute to the future of dance. Under recent changes to the Constitution, all members of Ausdance state and territory organisations, together with our national members, have the opportunity to nominate and vote for the new Council.
We are seeking eight outstanding Australians to lead Ausdance National in the future. It is time for generational change, to consider new ways of shaping and supporting professional dance in Australia. Have a read of the skills and expertise that we are seeking to attract.
Ausdance National has a unique place in the Ausdance network, in the Australian dance environment, as a leader in dance advocacy, and in bringing new resources and funding to the profession through partnerships and collaborations. It also has a well-recognised brand and strong respect internationally, and across other areas of the Australian arts environment.
While we say farewell and thank you to our longstanding core funding partner the Australia Council for the Arts, we are already progressing some exciting new project opportunities for 2017 and investigating other income sources to allow Ausdance National to continue its leadership role focused on advocacy and key projects. Read about our recent project, publications and advocacy highlights.
I take this opportunity to pass on my sincere thanks to the previous National Executive members Brian Lucas, Claudia Alessi, Marilyn Miller and Peter Bayliss, to CEO Rosyln Dundas and Project Officer/Acting CEO Neil Roach who all contributed significantly over past years, and to current members of the National Council and Ausdance network staff around Australia for the enormous work they all do in their own states and territories. I also acknowledge and thank the interim national executive—Peter Bayliss, Henry Laska, Paul Summers, honorary life member Julie Dyson and staff member Rachael Jennings for their outstanding work during this period of transition and transformation.
I wish all our members and supporters a very happy festive season and here’s to happy dancing in 2017!
Shane Colquhoun
Interim National President