01 May 2017
Creative New Zealand today welcomed the appointment of Michael Moynahan as the new Chair of the Arts Council, replacing Dr Dick Grant whose term finished on 30 April.
The appointment and others were announced today by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Hon. Maggie Barry.
Mr Moynahan has been a member of the Arts Council since December 2014 and deputy chair since June 2016. He has a long association with literature and a 25-year career in publishing including leadership roles with Harper Collins and Random House in Australia, India and New Zealand.
Mr Moynahan is the New Zealand chair of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s Beachheads advisory group and has other governance roles with three companies.
"The arts are vital to providing a rich and vibrant cultural life for New Zealanders and all the benefits that brings to our communities in terms of well-being and prosperity. It is also pleasing to see New Zealand art and artists taking their place on an international stage to show this country’s creativity and innovation,” Mr Moynahan said.
“Creative New Zealand’s work to support artists and arts organisations is essential. I look forward as Chair to building on the successes the organisation has helped achieve."
Outgoing Chairman Dr Dick Grant served almost four years as Chairman of the Arts Council.
“It’s been a privilege to be part of an organisation and a sector which does so much to improve the lives of New Zealanders through the many performances, exhibitions and opportunities to participate in the arts they provide," Dr Grant said.
"A new framework for the governance of Creative New Zealand was introduced by the 2014 Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa Act. It has been pleasing as Chairman to see the transition to this new structure take place seamlessly over the last three years.”
Serving Arts Council member Caren Rangi has been appointed as Deputy Chair. Ms Rangi is experienced in public sector governance and has a passion for Cook Islands Māori dance, music and cultural history.
New Arts Council member Garth Gallaway has been appointed. Mr Gallaway of Christchurch is a partner in law firm Chapman Tripp. He is long term collector of art and Chair of the Arts Foundation of New Zealand Trustees, a trustee of the Christchurch Art Gallery, Chairman of the W. A. Sutton Charitable Trust.
Arts Council members Suzanne Ellison (Ngai Tahu) and Michael Prentice have been reappointed to the Council for another term.
Creative New Zealand acknowledges the contribution made by Arts Council member Rose Evans (Te Atiawa) who has completed a three year term as a member.
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