While Covid-19 may have closed the doors of creative venues across the Dandenong Ranges, exciting things are still happening at Burrinja Cultural Centre.
The centre has recently announced the appointment of a new leadership team, which will help develop a new future of creative activity in the hills and beyond.
Gareth Hart has been appointed as creative director and CEO, while Toni Kirk will become the new Chief Operating Officer.
Hart is new to the Burrinja team and will bring many years of experience in the arts sector.
With a Masters of Choreography, experience leading numerous arts projects and festivals and 15 years experience as a practising artist, Hart is set to bring a unique perspective to the role.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Burrinja, in such a pivotal time,” Hart said.
“Burrinja has been formative in my development as both an artist and a leader, with many of my cherished creative memories occurring here.
“I believe Burrinja has played a significant role in the arts ecology of the region.”
Most recently, Hart has been leading regional arts organisation Arts Mildura as executive director.
Ms Kirk will transition to her new role from the acting executive director position. She has been Burrinja’s venue manager for 10 years and has overseen the delivery of over 300 events annually.
With 25 years experience of operating community art centres, Ms Kirk brings a wealth of experience in developing community engagement projects and theatre programming.
“Over the past 10 years I have welcomed thousands of performers at the stage door, greeted thousands of eager patrons at the box office and seen first hand the deep connection Burrinja has with its community,” Ms Kirk said.
“Each day I continue to be energised by the creative conversations I have with Burrinja’s talented staff and volunteers, uplifted by the artists we support and humbled by the fondness that people have for Burrinja.
“I have a deep respect for Burrinja’s past and a great enthusiasm for its future so being given the opportunity to work with Gareth and the team to explore, imagine and shape that future is a great privilege.”
Burrinja board president Holly DeMaria said both appointments will “complement the already amazing team of staff and volunteers that work at Burrinja.”
“Toni has steered Burrinja with strength, integrity and skill over what has been a year of unanticipated challenges and combining this ability with the creative vision that Gareth will bring to the organisation, Burrinja’s Board is excited and invigorated by the new leadership team.
The pair will commence their new roles on 21 September.
