Western Australia’s flagship contemporary dance company, Co3 Australia, has announced the appointment of Alana Culverhouse as its new Executive Director.
Alana joins Co3 after 10 years with the Department of Local Government, Sports and Cultural Industries where she has steered arts investment and development in Western Australia, and with more than two decades in the arts sector. She will take up her position in mid-October.
Alana steps into the role as current Executive Director, Richard Longbottom, resumes and expands the position of Engagement Director allowing him to focus fully on his passion for youth dance, education and community engagement.
“After a dedicated search to find the person with the exact skill-set, integrity and values that align with those of Co3, the Board could not be more thrilled to appoint Alana to this vital role as the company looks to its next stage of growth,” said Co3 Australia Chair, Mario D’Orazio.
“We began our search a few months ago when Richard approached the Board about succession planning and also expressed his desire to focus and build on the company’s success in youth dance and education- recognised by our recent Australian Dance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Youth Dance for Project NEXT 2017.”
“It’s fantastic that Alana’s coming on board and that we get to keep Richard in the Co3 family, driving his passion. The Board whole-heartedly thanks Richard for stepping into the role 18 months ago, wearing so many hats and steering the company while successfully growing our education and engagement programs. Richard has driven our strong values-based culture.”
Alana is committed to leading contemporary arts practice and is a champion for investment in the arts and said, “I’m very excited by this opportunity to work for such an innovative company alongside world-class Artistic Director, Raewyn Hill. Co3 Australia is absolutely committed to leading contemporary dance practice and creating experiences that enrich lives. Co3 not only produces some of the best contemporary dance works you would see anywhere in the world but fuels creative practice.”
“The company has a unique approach to dancer development, wellness and professional pathways to create opportunities for Australian choreographers and artistic talent. I believe that Co3 can position itself as one of the key performing arts companies in Australia and bring Western Australian contemporary dance to the forefront of both the national and international stage.”
“I am so proud of what Co3 has been able to achieve since we began four years ago and of the talented team of people that make up the Co3 family,” said Co3’s Artistic Director, Raewyn Hill. “I am excited about Co3’s future, with this appointment that rounds out our senior team and takes us closer to becoming Australasia’s leading contemporary dance company.”
For more information, visit: www.co3.org.au for details.
Image: Alana Culverhouse (supplied)