Hindmarsh to be new Cultural Facilities Corporation chair

ACT Minister for the Arts Joy Burch today announced that leading business figure JohnHindmarsh will be the next chair of the Cultural Facilities Corporation.

The Cultural Facilities Corporation manages Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra Museum and Gallery, the Nolan Collection Gallery @ CMAG, Lanyon, Calthorpes' House and Mugga Mugga.

"John Hindmarsh is one of Canberra's foremost figures who has played a hugely important role in the development of this city and been a strong supporter of the arts over many years," MsBurch said.

"His expertise in a range of areas will provide the Cultural Facilities Corporation with a leader who has a passion for the arts and a range of ideas on how it can continue to serve the Canberra region."

Mr Hindmarsh is executive chairman of Hindmarsh which is involved in project and construction management, property development, car parking and venture capital.

Among the buildings the company has constructed is The Playhouse of the Canberra Theatre Centre.

Mr Hindmarsh, whose appointment will commence on 1 January 2012, is also a member of the Council of the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), Chairman of the Foundation Board of the NGA and a long-term supporter of Bell Shakespeare Company.

Ms Burch also paid tribute to outgoing chairman Professor Don Aitkin AO, whose term expires at the end of December 2011 and who has been chairman for almost a decade.

"Since taking up the position in July 2002, Professor Aitkin has been an inspiring chairman who has provided great support for the Corporation, providing valuable strategic advice and direction. I thank Professor Aitkin for this support and wish him well for the future."