Dr Richard Grant has been appointed chair of the Arts Council of Creative New Zealand, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Christopher Finlayson announced today.
Dr Richard Grant has been appointed chair of the Arts Council of Creative New Zealand, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Christopher Finlayson announced today.
Dr Grant replaces Alastair Carruthers, who has continued in the role pending new legislation which replaces the current governance structure with a new unitary Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa. Mr Carruthers is commencing a new role as the chief executive of a national law firm.
“I am very pleased that Richard Grant is available to be chair at a time of change for Creative New Zealand,” Mr Finlayson said. “The appointment ensures continuity, and Dr Grant’s strong understanding of Crown governance will provide clear leadership to the Council in the transition period.”
“I thank Alastair Carruthers for his exceptional contribution in his many years of service to Creative New Zealand. Under his leadership Creative New Zealand has worked to ensure the stability of key arts infrastructure organisations while also supporting the emergence of new groups. International events such as the Venice Biennale and the Festival of South Pacific Arts, and initiatives such as cultural philanthropy have also been a focus for Creative New Zealand under Alastair’s guidance.”
Dr Richard Grant had a distinguished diplomatic career for over 40 years working with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Europe, Australia, the Pacific, and Asia. A former New Zealand ambassador in Bonn and Paris and a former high commissioner in London and Singapore, Dr Grant has also been executive director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation. He has a strong interest in arts and culture.
Media Release: Minister for Arts, Culture & Heritage
CNZ welcomes new Arts Council Chair
Creative New Zealand today welcomed the appointment of Dr Dick Grant as the new Chair of the Arts Council, replacing Alastair Carruthers who has resigned from 31 March.
Dr Grant has been a member of the Arts Council since July 2012. He had a more than 40 year career working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Pacific, Europe, Australia and Asia. He is a former New Zealand Ambassador in Bonn and Paris and a former High Commissioner in London and Singapore.
From January 2008 until March 2012, Dr Grant was Executive Director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, which works to increase New Zealanders’ understanding of and links with Asia through a range of business, cultural and education programmes.
"Creative New Zealand does important work in developing New Zealand's cultural strengths, so I am looking forward to contributing as Chairman to build on the successes the organisation has achieved," Dr Grant said.
Outgoing Chairman Alastair Carruthers served nearly six years as Chair of the Arts Council, and six prior years as Chairman or member of the Arts Board.
“After nearly 12 years at the board table the returns from investing increased public funds in the arts are material and are being enjoyed by many more New Zealanders. We can see stronger governance and artistic direction in major arts companies, a greater diversity of individual artists and art forms, and a huge appetite overseas for New Zealand artists and performers. It has been a true privilege to see so many artists reach stunning levels of achievement during a wonderful period of investment,” Mr Carruthers said.
Media Release: Creative New Zealand