Arts Capital Board appoints new CEO and Director

The Arts Capital Board of Directors has appointed Carly Davenport Acker as its new CEO and Director of Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres.

Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres (A+G) is undergoing major transformations, embarking on a new strategic planning cycle including centenary renovations at both centres. A+G is situated in Braddon on Ngunnawal country, home to over 40 artists, creatives and arts organisations, and plays an important role in supporting, developing and presenting a diverse range of activities and programs.

Announcing the appointment, Mark Van Veen, Arts Capital Chair, said: ‘The Arts Capital board is excited to be working with Carly, who possesses decades’ worth of experience in the arts and culture sector. We feel she is a perfect fit for this exciting new chapter in the organisation’s future endeavours and what is an especially important stage in the evolution of our centres. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the interim CEO, Adelin Chin, for steering the organisation through this transition.’

Davenport Acker is committed to creating strong, transformative and sustainable pathways for arts makers, cultural practitioners, creative organisations and partners. Her focus as CEO of Arts Capital and Director of Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres will be to lead collaborative pathways. Davenport Acker will be drawing on her 25 years’ experience working in diverse creative and cultural organisations and locations across urban and remote Australia.

Davenport Acker has worked in senior positions at a national and international level with major arts institutions such as the National Museum of Australia and Australian Parliament House with significant experience in exhibition design, senior arts project management and governance. She was a Winston Churchill Fellow and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts History and Curatorship from ANU with a Graduate Diploma in Anthropology from University of Melbourne.

Responding to her appointment Ms Davenport Acker said: ‘I am truly excited to join the dynamic A+G team and to help galvanise the organisation’s core business and vision in strengthening Canberra’s vibrant arts sector. This opportunity allows me to draw upon my national and international experience. I believe that excellence begins “at home” and what we create here can be valued locally and globally.’