Regional Arts NSW Appoints New CEO

Regional Arts NSW is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tracey Callinan.

Dr Callinan has held the role of Executive Director for Arts OutWest, the Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) based in Bathurst since 2009 and brings with her an extensive history working in the arts.

Having previously worked at the University of Sydney at the Conservatorium of Music and the Arts Council England with the national Creative Partnerships program, Tracey is keen to utilise her skills and expertise in the future growth and development of RANSW.

Tracey commented:

I look forward to leading an organisation with a 75-year history and developing new ways of engaging and supporting regional arts practice in NSW.

The role of the arts in our regional communities and within the broader cultural and creative sector is vital and one that I am very committed to.

Regional Arts NSW Chair Julie Briggs is confident Dr Callinan’s experience, passion and commitment will help drive RANSW toward even greater achievements.

The Board is thrilled that Tracey Callinan has decided to join our great team at RANSW. Tracey’s passion and enthusiasm for arts in the regions together with her extensive experience both as a practitioner and administrator will inject additional momentum to the organisation as we re-position our services and support to the sector.

Although Tracey grew up in regional NSW she has travelled extensively in her pursuit of artistic learnings and throughout her career including working for a silversmith in Jerusalem, programming for Wirksworth Festival in rural Derbyshire in the UK and working as a musician in Europe.

This experience and understanding of the arts in various localities and practices will be a boon for RANSW as it develops the next phase of the Organisation.

Ms Briggs stated:

We are excited to start working with Tracey on the finalisation and implementation of our new strategic direction. We believe, as does the NSW Government, that the arts are integral in driving the visitor economy which will support the COVID recovery in the regions. RANSW will be looking to leverage and promote the funding opportunities recently announced by the State to collaborate with the 14 RADOs, artists and arts organisations to support the growth of the regional NSW economy.

Tracey possesses a clear vision for the future of RANSW which includes building on existing work while developing a collaborative organisation with greater visibility, advocacy reach and evidence base. Her ultimate goal is to ensure that the regional arts sector in NSW not only survives but connects, innovates and continues to grow.

Dr Tracey Callinan will take over the role as CEO for Regional Arts NSW on 17 January 2022.