The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Australia Council reappointment

The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, today announced the reappointment of Mrs Nicola Downer AM to the Australia Council for a further three-year term.

“Mrs Downer has been involved in the arts in Australia for many years and her contribution is positive and enthusiastic. She has an excellent track record in arts marketing and administration,” Senator Kemp said.

“Mrs Downer’s expertise will continue to be of great value to the Australia Council, and I am delighted she will continue in her role as community interest representative.”

Mrs Downer manages an events, arts and tourism marketing company. From a journalism background, she has been employed to improve the communication strategies of a number of major Adelaide companies and organisations.

As president of Regional Arts Australia she has taken a national role in developing support for the arts in regional Australia.

She is a governor on the board of the State Theatre Company of South Australia, a member of the Helpmann Academy governing board, and a member of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival advisory board.

Her previous roles include chair of Country Arts South Australia, president of Regional Arts Australia, member of the South Australian Maritime Museum Advisory Board, and member of the Adelaide Festival of Arts Board.

The Australia Council is the Australian Government’s principal arts funding body. It encourages the creativity and development of Australian artists and aims to increase access by all Australians to arts and cultural activities. For more information visit www.ozco.gov.au.

MELBOURNE
12 January 2007

Media contact: Michael Christo, 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276