Naomi Milgrom AC is delighted to announce the appointment of highly respected arts leader Elaine Chia as CEO of a new cultural precinct project in Melbourne.
The site of the former Richmond Power Station in Cremorne, being developed by Ms Milgrom, will be transformed to a new creative, civic and garden space, spanning over one hectare.
“Our vision is that this new space for people and creativity will become a destination with myriad uses, open to all. We aim to stimulate and support the creation, production and presentation of contemporary performance and ideas,” said Ms Milgrom. “This project will strengthen the growth of Cremorne as a dynamic innovation precinct.”
“Elaine will bring to the project a distinctive set of skills and experience across creative industries and the arts. Her deep interest in architecture, design and placemaking, coupled with her collaborative approach to creative engagement makes her the natural leader for the adaptive reuse of this unique site.”
Elaine Chia has worked across Australia and internationally. She is a recognised arts leader, advocate, and mentor with over twenty years’ experience in senior roles in the performing and visual arts across venues, festivals, and touring.
Previous roles include Executive Director at the Adelaide Festival, CEO at City Recital Hall in Sydney, and Director, International Signature Projects at the Australia Council for the Arts, delivering as public-private partnership projects, the Australian representation at three Venice Art Biennales and the redevelopment of the Australian Venice Biennale Pavilion, Italy.
Elaine has held management positions with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (The University of Sydney), Heide Museum of Modern Art, Belvoir Street Theatre, and the Australian Youth Orchestra. She has produced numerous international projects and led orchestral and chamber music ensemble tours to Europe, South America, Asia, and the Pacific.
Alongside her executive roles, Elaine chairs Contemporary Asian Australian Performance, a resident company at Carriageworks which is dedicated to making exceptional contemporary Asian Australian work for all audiences.
In April 2021, she joined the Light Speed Advisory Board supporting Light ADL, Adelaide’s new performing arts venue and social enterprise. She is a member of Chief Executive Women. Elaine is regularly invited to participate as a panel presenter and has given keynotes in Australian and international arts industry conferences, in particular championing diversity, inclusivity, and women as leaders in the arts.
“I am thrilled to have been asked to take on a key role in this exciting project, adding to the significant portfolio of cultural initiatives that Naomi has commissioned and supported such as MPavilion and Living Cities, and countless others through the Naomi Milgrom Foundation,” said Ms Chia.
“I look forward to returning to Melbourne and contributing to the cultural life of the city.”
Ms Chia commences in the role on 21 February 2022. For more information about the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, visit: www.naomimilgromfoundation.org for details.
Image: Elaine Chia – photo by Keith Saunders