In a spirited Annual General Meeting held at The Chapel Theatre, the Glen Innes Arts Council (GIAC), Australia’s oldest continuing Arts Council unveiled its newly elected committee, marking a fresh start as the organisation heads into its 81st year of community performances and cinema.
Originally built as a Methodist church in 1885, the building was purchased in 1983 by the Glen Innes Arts Council Inc and remains a cornerstone of local cultural life.
At the AGM, longstanding President Nigel Brown, who has guided the Council through many milestones, announced his decision to step down to see new people have an opportunity to lead the Council and to pursue his own creative endeavours.
While Nigel will remain a valued member of the Arts Council, he will no longer serve on the active committee. His departure paved the way for the appointment of new leadership eager to build on his legacy.
Taking the helm is the newly elected President, Tim Clifford, who also serves as the president of the Glen Innes Rotary Club. With a reputation built on business acumen and a deep commitment to community engagement, Tim brings strong skills and a revitalised vision supported by an enthusiastic group of new committee members as well as the seasoned guidance of several GIAC long serving members (some members experience exceeds 60 years).
The new team is set to foster an environment of mentorship, collaboration, innovation and most important, a fun and nurturing space.
The committee also includes robust sub-committees focused on Theatre, Cinema and the successful Arts Council Choir, alongside the exciting appointment of a dedicated Youth Advisor.
This strategic development aims to harness the fresh perspectives of younger community members while ensuring that the Council continues to learn from the extensive expertise of its veteran artists and administrators.
The meeting also addressed recent challenges faced by The Chapel Theatre. The venue, which experienced setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the progress with grant funded heritage-listed building upgrades. With these improvements back on track, plans are already underway to expand the slate of theatre productions, cinema events, and local performances in the coming year including the continuation of Theatre and Open Mic nights as well as the newly developed NESSA New England Stage & Screen Academy, a safe space for young performers to grow, learn, and shine.
As the Glen Innes Arts Council embarks on this new chapter, community leaders and local arts enthusiasts alike are optimistic. The infusion of new energy, combined with decades of established experience, promises a dynamic future for one of Australia’s most enduring cultural institutions.
