Chunky Move announces new leadership team

Chunky Move Antony Hamilton, Freya Waterson and Kristy Ayre - photo by Gregory LorenzuttiChunky Move has announced the appointment of Antony Hamilton and Kristy Ayre as joint CEOs of the company.

The appointment follows a rigorous global recruitment process calling for proposals from teams or individuals with the creative vision and professional credentials to lead Victoria’s flagship contemporary dance company into a new phase of its history. Antony and Kristy are to be joined by Freya Waterson who will be responsible for the company’s national and international touring program.

“Chunky Move is an incredible Victorian success story that plays a key role in Victoria, and Australia’s, dance sector and this is an exciting new step for the company,” said Minister for the Creative Industries, Martin Foley. “Antony and Kristy have international reputations and will bring a wealth of experience to the role. I look forward to seeing their vision come to life.”

“I’m thrilled with the appointment of Antony and Kristy, and to have Freya’s expertise in the company,” said Chunky Move’s Chair, Leigh O’Neill. “This team draws on deep and internationally-respected experience in the Australian dance sector whilst bringing a confident and energetic vision for the future.”

“Antony is without doubt one of Australia’s most exciting choreographers – his work is in national and international demand, and his unique approach to making dance fuses artistic disciplines and creates new possibilities for contemporary dance. Kristy brings the perspective of a dancer together with the strategic skills of a cultural leader and advocate for dance practice in Australia.”

“Freya’s inclusion in the team brings a sophisticated understanding of the national and international landscape for touring and audience development. In applying for the role, the team put forward an exceptional vision for the future of contemporary dance, and we are excited to support them in bringing this to life.”

In addition to the responsibilities of joint CEO, Antony will take up the role of Artistic Director and Kristy, Executive Director. Freya will join the company as Program and Touring Producer. In a joint statement Antony and Kristy said “We feel enormously privileged to lead Chunky Move and energised to steer the company into a bold new creative era.”

“It’s especially significant for us to return as joint CEO’s to a company that has had such an impact on our professional careers. We are honoured to continue the company’s legacy, and look forward to working with Chunky Move’s staff, artists and Board to develop an adventurous and dynamic program.”

Antony and Kristy will outline their vision in the coming months however they said “Together, we feel propelled to cultivate the company’s reputation and champion a culture of generosity within the dance sector. We plan to deliver new opportunities for artists, and bring ambitious new performance works to audiences in Melbourne and around the world.”

The search for a new leadership team commenced in September 2018 following the departures of Artistic Director Anouk Van Dijk and Executive Director Vanessa Pigrum. In thanking Anouk and Vanessa for their guidance over the past years Leigh O’Neill also paid tribute to the interim team – Sarah Greentree and Ann Tonks – who have expertly steered the company through an extraordinary few months which included a rigorous touring program, presentation of new works and the search for new leadership.

Antony and Kristy will start in February 2019, initially on a part-time basis, and then work full time for the company from April. Freya will start her part-time role in January 2019. For more information, visit: www.chunkymove.com for details.

Image: Antony Hamilton, Freya Waterson and Kristy Ayre – photo by Gregory Lorenzutti