Theatre Works has announced that arts industry leader, Bryce Ives has been appointed as its new Artistic Director. A renowned cultural leader with extensive experience in fostering large-scale creative outcomes, Bryce has a track record of creating significant impact through his work.
“The Board of Theatre Works is delighted to announce the appointment of Bryce Ives as our new Artistic Director,” said Ros Willett, Theatre Works Chairperson. “The combination of Bryce’s organisational experience and theatre practice as a writer and director brings with it exciting opportunities. Bryce’s past collaborations with diverse communities is invaluable as we develop our artistic model, purpose and place within the contemporary Australian theatre community.”
Bryce joins Theatre Works from the Ballarat Arts Academy at Federation University Australia where he was Director. He has also been the Artistic Director of the Present Tense Ensemble, an Executive Producer at the ABC and General Manager at SYN Youth Media.
With a strong commitment to rural and regional communities, to young Australians and striving for equity and equality, Bryce has fostered the capacity of Australian artists and the creative resilience of communities. His broad professional experience includes media and broadcasting, community development, and the music industry.
Theatre Works is entering an exciting period having recently established a new structure and renewed commitment to build a strong platform for independent theatre practitioners and national and international audiences.
“Theatre Works is iconic, a critical player in Australia’s theatre community in one of Melbourne’s most interesting neighbourhoods- St. Kilda,” said Bryce. “My history with Theatre Works spans the past seven years, through my role as Artistic Director of Present Tense, when we produced Ricercar and Margaret Fulton: Queen of the Dessert at Theatre Works, and having worked with past CEO Daniel Clarke.”
“I have a strong desire to see Theatre Works connect meaningfully with the most pressing and urgent conversations of our time. To be a local venue with a truly global perspective, to be a place renowned for its inclusive visionary approach. I feel excited by the prospect of leading this important conversation and asking the question: what role must Theatre Works play now and into the future for artists, audiences and particularly for its local community.
“Over the next three months, I will invite artists, friends and community members to join in a conversation about the future of Theatre Works. How may we ensure Theatre Works is visionary, risk-taking, passionate and sustainable? How may we foster new creative voices to thrive through Theatre Works and strengthen important voices in our community?”
“I look forward to doing this in consultation with the many individuals and communities who feel rightfully connected to ongoing story of Theatre Works.”
Bryce commences in the role in June 2018. For more information, visit: www.theatreworks.org.au for details.
Image: Bryce Ives (supplied)