Music SA loses chair Anne Wiberg & general manager Kim Roberts

South Australia’s peak music association Music SA has undergone two major departures – chair Anne Wiberg after nine years and general manager Kim Roberts after four years.

The organisation said Wiberg’s passion for music, expertise and vibrant attitude would be sorely missed.

Wiberg’s roles in the sector included freelance music programmer and event / project producer for the AIR awards, the Ruby awards, Darwin Festival and the Adelaide Fringe, and artistic director of the music venue Light Adelaide.

Stepping in as new chair is John Glenn with a 30-year background within music, the arts, government and not-for-profits.

John Glenn

His roles have included operations manager at Sydney Symphony, GM of Sydney’s State Theatre, GM of the Venue Management Association (Asia and Pacific), executive producer at Adelaide Cabaret Festival and, last November took over as CEO of musicals and theatre works promoter GWB Entertainment.

“As excited as I am to take on the role as chair of the board, stepping into the immense void left by the departure of Anne Wiberg is daunting,” Glenn admitted.

“She has left a significant mark on Music SA and is regarded so highly by the industry here in SA and nationally.

“I am grateful for her guidance and the strong nudge to take on this role. She will always be part of our family.”

Kim Roberts

Also departing is Kim Roberts, who steps down to continue her postgraduate studies.

She began as training officer before taking over the top role in June 2020 just as the SA industry began to seriously confront COVID-caused challenges.

That same month, TMN reported that the Arts Industry Council told the Legislative Council that one-third of the workers in SA’s music and arts sector are now unemployed.

Roberts was a Three D Radio presenter, blogger, reviewer, and played in the bands 200 Motels, Last Days of Kali and Placement.

Music SA will advertise her role while continuing to push the Music Development Office for help for pandemic-hit small businesses and conducting an industry health check.

Among these changes, Craig Lock, who runs management and events company Five Four Entertainment and the Lion Arts Factory, is also joining as a board member.