Utp has announced Michelle Hanna as their new Chair, following the retirement of Dr Robert Lang from the role.
Michelle has a background in social impact and is a communications specialist working across arts, media, not-for-profit and government, and has a Lebanese heritage.
Utp management is thrilled that the Board has unanimously endorsed Michelle and that as an organisation we can contribute to the redress of gender imbalance and cultural diversity at Chair level of Boards.
Currently Manager of Internal Communications for the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Michelle also chairs the Sydney Outreach Committee for Human Rights Watch in Australia.
Previously, she worked in social impact documentary, arts TV production and public relations, and as an arts reporter for SBS World News. Michelle has a Master of Art Administration and Honours degree in Art History and Theory from UNSW Art and Design.
“It’s wonderful to have Michelle lead the next phase of Utp’s life as an organisation, a phase with accessibility, transparency and social impact front and centre. Michelle’s passion and energy is contagious. I can’t wait for you to meet her,” said Dr Jessica Olivieri, Utp Artistic Director.
“From its beginnings as a street theatre collective, Utp has always been about creating unexpected works that redefine what art and theatre can be. Its processes are embedded in local community and give voice to relevant and diverse Australian stories through a self-determined curatorial process,” said Michelle Hanna, Utp Chair.
“I look forward to continuing working with our Board and management to grow Utp’s story, in particular with Dr Jessica Olivieri for her inspiring artistic vision and thought leadership in issues of access and equity in the arts.”
“On behalf of the Utp Board, I acknowledge and thank Dr Robert Lang for his outstanding leadership stewardship and support,” said Hanna.
Utp management would like to thank Dr Robert Lang for his eight years as Chair of the Utp Board. Rob has seen the company through a pandemic, change of Artistic Director and has steered the organisation such that Utp has remained financially stable during this volatile time.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to Dr Robert Lang, for his thoughtful service to the organisation. Rob’s guidance has placed us in good stead with our sights set on a bright future,” said Olivieri.
For more information about Utp, visit: www.utp.org.au for details.
Image: Michelle Hanna – courtesu of Utp