Musical Chairs: New directors for Aus Council; Former Sydney-based Fleckenstein now at RCA; Names announced for ACT Arts Policy Framework review

Two new directors for Australia Council

The Australia Council for the Arts has two directors joining its exec team. Marion Potts is Director, Theatre, replacing Lyn Wallis who is now Artistic Director at HotHouse Theatre Wodonga. Potts, an award-winning theatre director was Artistic Director of Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre since 2010.

Taking on the newly created role of Director, National Development, is Jo Metcalf. Currently working in the UK, Metcalf has local and overseas experience in music (including Black Arm Band), circus and multi-artform festivals. She was arts administrator and producer for organisations as The British Council, Contemporary Music Associate at Perth International Arts Festival, Head of Art at Amnesty International and Director, International Partnerships & Programs at Circa. The new role is part of the reform process underway at the Council. This role will lead the team of arts practice directors who sit within the new Arts Strategy division headed by Dr. Wendy Were.

Former Sydney-based John Fleckenstein now EVP at RCA

John Fleckenstein(pictured) is named Executive Vice President at RCA Records, overseeing marketing and video production from New York.

In 2001, he was based in Sydney running Marketing and Promotion for BMG’s Asia-Pacific Region. His biggest success was Avril Lavigne’s debut album, which sold 2 million albums in Japan alone. He returned to the US two years later to run BMG’s Global Marketing. He was most recently EVP of International Marketing for Sony Music’s US labels as Columbia, RCA and Epic.

Grant Broadcasters taps Allan Cameron as CD

Allan Cameron is returning home from his four-year stint as Content Director for Malaysia’s Star Radio Group to take over as Grant Broadcasters’ 7HO FM and State Content Director for Tasmania. Before his overseas stint he was a PD in regional NSW and Adelaide. His predecessor in the role, Ross Turner, moves to Group Content Director for the Sunshine Coast.

Jonathan Holloway lands Melbourne Festival post

Jonathan Holloway, who is winding up as artistic director of Perth Festival, will be crossing the Nullabor in April to head Melbourne Festival from 2016. He takes over from Josephine Ridge who finishes her third term in October. UK-born Hollowat, 44, ran the Norwich and Norfolk Festival for six years before moving to Western Australia.

Marie-Louise Carroll returns to Creative Partnerships

Marie-Louise Carroll returns to the Creative Partnerships team on February 9 as NSW/ACT State Manager. Janine Collins, who acted in the role over the past seven months, has left the association.

Trioli, Rowland, back at ABC breakfast

Virginia Trioli and Michael Rowland returned this week to host ABC News Breakfast on its various platforms. They are joined again by sports presenter Paul Kennedy and weather presenter Vanessa O’Hanlon.

Mucho Bravado’s new publicist

Brisbane music media and management Mucho Bravado’s new publicist is Vivienne Mellish.She moved back to Brisbane after stints at Canberra Theatre Centre, The PR Company, Event Cinemas and community radio on the Gold Coast. She replaces Siobhan Kranz who moved to Mushroom.

Names announced for ACT Arts Policy Framework review

ACT Arts Minister Joy Burch appointed Prof David Williams of the Childers Group arts forum; Gavin Findlay of Music ACT; Gorman and Ainslie Arts Centres Director Joseph Falsone; Canberra Contemporary Art Space Director David Broker; writer Rosanna Stevens; and Director of the ANU Centre for European Studies Jacqueline Lo to oversee the ACT Arts Policy Framework review. Public consultation begins in February.

Sydney venue vets behind Wayne’s World pop up bar

Three alumni of Victoria Room in Darlinghurst are behind the Wayne’s World themed pop up bar Whisky Jerks at Oxford Circus between April 18 and 22. They are Ben Blair (also Corner House and Proud Cabaret), Reece Griffiths (also Low 302) and Lee Potter Cavanagh (also Corrett and HIX). The bar will feature music and visuals associated with the two movies.

New GM for NORPA

Patrick Healey takes over as GM of Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) from February 23. Previously Finance Director for Melbourne Theatre Company for the past four years, he replaces Emily Berry who is moving on after three years to the position of Executive Producer, working with Artistic Director Julian Louis on new creative projects.

Another venue for Damien Griffiths

Damien Griffiths, who runs Brisbane’s Alfred & Constance nightspot, bought the Wickham St building, which housed the infamous 1980s Bubbles Bathhouse, planning a makeover to launch a new nightspot in April.

SCA’s Lisa Curtis joins AMPR

Southern Cross Austereo’s national PR director Lisa Curtis moved to PR and communications agency AMPR as General Manager.

Caitlin McCormack gets dual roles at SEA FM Hobart

One time 104.9 Star FM Albury announcer Caitlin McCormack, begins in February at SEA FM Hobart as Music Director and workday announcer.

Adelaide Festival seeking Artistic Director

The Adelaide Festival of Arts is on the look out for an Artistic Director for 2017 to 2019. Current director David Sefton was originally contracted to run it between 2013-15, and later extended his delivery with a fourth program in 2016. More details, contact Maria Sykes of Odgers Berndtson Executive Search at AdelaidefestivalAD@odgersberndtson.com. Deadline is Friday February 20.

Dunlop crosses the Tasman

Tim Dunlop is the latest Australian radio talent to land a job in New Zealand. The former 2Day FM Guest and Social Media Producer is now Assistant Content Director at The Hits, based in Auckland but working nationally.

Inaugural director for Theatre Network NSW

Theatre Network NSW (TNN), the newly established networking and advocacy organisation dedicated to NSW theatre, tapped Jane Kreis as its inaugural Director. She was five years as Executive Officer and Regional Arts Development Officer of Arts North West in the New England area.

Nick Roden lands international role at INgrooves

The new Director of International Business Development at independent music director INgrooves Music Group, Nick Roden, was Director at Warner Music's Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA) and most recently Commercial Director at Defected Records, a UK label with an Australian office.