Wesley Enoch announced as moderator for 2017 WA Regional Arts Summit
Regional Arts WA
Acclaimed playwright, theatre director and current director of the Sydney Festival, Wesley Enoch, has been announced as the moderator for the 2017 WA Regional Arts Summit.
A forward-thinker and high-profile champion of the arts, particularly Australian theatre, Wesley brings a wealth of skill and experience to the four-day Summit and as moderator, is charged with challenging the panellists and directing arts debate.
Country Arts WA is presenting the Summit in partnership with the City of Mandurah and the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, with support from the Royalties for Regions Creative Regions program, which will be held in Mandurah 12 to 15 October 2017.
Making the announcement today, Country Arts WA Executive Director Paul MacPhail says securing Wesley Enoch for the Summit was a major coup for WA arts and extremely exciting.
“We are delighted to have Wesley on board as our moderator for the Summit. He is one of Australia’s most talented theatre directors with a highly-acclaimed career spanning more than 25 years and a most passionate advocate for the arts,” Mr MacPhail said.
“We are looking forward to sharing Wesley’s insights, knowledge and experience as well as some lively discussion and big ideas on the future of the arts in regional Western Australia.”
To be held at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, the Summit will bring together some 300 art workers, artists and performers from across WA and Australia.
Early bird registrations are open for the 2017 WA Regional Arts Summit, starting from $425.00 and are available at www.countryartswa.asn.au.
A bit more about Wesley Enoch…
Wesley attained prominence with his production of 7 Stages of Grieving (co-written with Deborah Mailman) and then with Jane Harrison’s Stolen, which premiered at the Playbox Theatre and went on to tour both nationally and internationally.
His long and impressive career includes roles as Artistic Director of companies in including Queensland Theatre Company (2010-2015), Ilbijerri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Theatre Co-operative (2003-2006) and Kooemba Jdarra Indigenous Performing Arts (1994-1997) as well as the Artistic Director for the Festival of Pacific Arts – Australia (2008 and 2012).
As a freelance director and writer Wesley has worked with virtually all the large theatre companies, arts centres and festivals in Australia and won multiple awards including the Patrick White Playwriting Award, Helpmann Awards for best production and best new Australian work as well as a number of Matilda Awards.
He was a Resident Director at Sydney Theatre Company (2000-2001), Associate Artistic Director Company B Belvoir Street Theatre (2007-2010) and a Director for the opening ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
He has directed many acclaimed productions and plays including Black Diggers and I Am Eora at the Sydney Festival and the original stage version of The Sapphires.
Wesley was a Trustee of the Sydney Opera House (2006-2013) and is currently the Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy Panel for the Australia Council, as well as a member of a number of committees and Boards.
Wesley is currently Festival Director of the Sydney Festival for the 2017-2019 Festivals.
Country Arts WA acknowledges the support of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Primary Industries and Regional Development with funding from Royalties for Regions Creative Regions and Lotterywest, including support from the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, Regional Development Australia (Peel WA) and Peel Development Commission.
