- Janet Holmes á Court new chairperson of the Art Gallery of Western Australia
- Strong passion for the arts and success in business will be of great advantage
One of the State's most influential and respected businesswomen has been named as the new chairperson of the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Janet Holmes á Court is an awarded businesswoman listed as one of our 100 Living Treasures by the National Trust of Australia; has been awarded an Order of Australia and promoted to a Companion of the Order for her involvement and advancement in the areas of construction, wine, cattle, musical and theatre culture and the visual arts.
Ms Holmes á Court has also been awarded the Centenary Medal for arts service as the chairperson of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) and Black Swan State Theatre Company.
She is currently chairperson of the Australian Children's Television Foundation and deputy chairperson of the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA.
Chairperson of one of Australia's largest private companies, Heytesbury Pty Ltd, she owns the Holmes á Court Gallery at Vasse Felix winery which shows works from the internationally renowned Holmes á Court Collection.
Ms Holmes á Court replaces Sam Walsh, who leaves to become chairperson of the Australia Council for the Arts.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"Janet Holmes á Court will be a perfect fit for the Art Gallery's board and I look forward to working with her.
"She is a long-time patron and passionate lover of the arts, and will provide knowledgeable leadership in the lead-up to the gallery's 125th anniversary.
"Her extensive experience in business and industry will also be of great advantage to the board.
"I thank and acknowledge Mr Walsh's contribution to the arts during his tenure and wish him well in his new role.
"Mr Walsh oversaw a number of popular exhibitions, including The Rise of Sneaker Culture and Heath Ledger: A Life in Pictures, which saw attendance increase."
