Melbourne’s Next Wave has announced the appointment of Jamie Lewis as CEO/Executive Director, commencing in February 2021.
Lewis is a Singaporean-Australian artist, curator, dramaturg, producer, and intercultural facilitator. Prior to joining Next Wave, Lewis was Program Manager at Theatre Network Australia and Audience Development Manager at Metro Arts. An alumnus of the Australia Council for the Arts’ Future Leaders Program, Lewis currently sits on the Board of Multicultural Arts Victoria.
“Next Wave is an organisation close to my heart. Being an artist in the 2012 Festival as a new migrant and young artist it gave my practice an undeniable kickstart,” said Lewis.
“I am thrilled to lead Next Wave into its next iteration so, as with my own journey, artistic practices of the future can continue to be launched … considering the year we have all just had, it is paramount to lead with racial justice, equity, and care as we move beyond 2020,” lewis added.
Lewis joins Next Wave at a pivotal moment as the organisation steps into long-term strategic planning. As CEO/Executive Director, Lewis will be responsible for the delivery of Next Wave’s long-term strategic objectives, while the newly designed role of Artistic Director, scheduled for recruitment in the new year, will be responsible for Next Wave’s artistic vision, programming, and development of artist programs.
Of Lewis’ appointment, Lesley Gillian, Next Wave Board and Selection Committee member said, “The Board is thrilled to welcome Jamie as Next Wave’s new CEO and Executive Director. As an artist, producer, and facilitator, Jamie brings a wealth of community-based leadership experience to the role. We are very excited to be working with her and to see where she takes Next Wave.”
An especially convened Recruitment Advisory Group comprising Wemba-Wemba and Gunditjmara artist and academic, Paola Balla; CEO of Multicultural Arts Victoria, Veronica Pardo; CEO of Arts Access Victoria, Caroline Bowditch; and General Manager of Western Edge Youth Arts, Khalid Warsame, was pivotal to Lewis’ appointment.
Of the selection process, Pardo commented, “among an exceptional field of diverse candidates, Jamie’s thoughtful, progressive, and inclusive approach to leadership generated immediate excitement. The Committee’s decision was unanimous.”
For more information about Next Wave, visit: www.nextwave.org.au for details.
Image: Jamie Lewis (supplied)