Regional Arts Australia has appointed Simon Spain as the new chairperson of the Regional Arts Australia Board of Directors. #

As a board member of Regional Arts Australia since 2017, Simon Spain brings a multitude of skills and experiences to his new role. Simon is an experienced senior manager in the arts sector with proven diverse skills in building partnerships and driving community initiatives. Simon is also a social practice and visual artist, and co-director of a not-for-profit organisation that is primarily concerned with the personal and professional development of socially-engaged artists. In addition to this, Simon is soon to complete a practice-based research PhD at RMIT University in Melbourne that examines the transformative role of personal and community creativity. This multidisciplinary approach is currently supported by a two-year Community and Cultural Development Fellowship from the Australia Council for the Arts. Simon is based in regional Tasmania.

Of his appointment, Simon said, “I am thrilled to be taking on this new role. I look forward to guiding the organisation to deliver the best possible arts and cultural opportunities and outcomes for people across regional and remote Australia.”

Regional Arts Australia Executive Director John Oster welcomed the appointment of Simon Spain. “Simon brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role as Chairperson and I look forward to working closely with Simon to grow the organisation and seize new opportunities and partnerships to benefit regional and remote Australia.”

Simon paid tribute to outgoing Chairperson Kate Fielding following a fruitful and successful 4 years as leader of the organisation; “Kate provided strong leadership during a period of change for the organisation. I am grateful for her ongoing encouragement, guidance and commitment to Regional Arts Australia throughout these years. It is a privilege to succeed Kate and I thank her for all that she has done.”