Peak industry body, Live Performance Australia, today announced that current President, Andrew Kay AM will step down as President at the conclusion of LPA's Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held on Thursday 22 November 2018.
LPA's Executive Council announced the appointment of LPA's next President, Richard Evans, who will take up the role following the AGM.
Andrew has devoted 30 years of service to the association and live performance industry and was first elected to LPA's Executive Council in 1989. He served as Vice-President for 9 years (1995-2003) before being elected as President in 2004. He has served in this role for 15 years.
Andrew Kay AM said:
"It has been a great honour leading LPA, first as its Vice President, and then as President over the past 25 years. The live performance industry, as shown in the latest record attendance data, is, by and large, very healthy as indeed is LPA itself, with record membership and strong finances. Of course, there continues to be ongoing issues that the industry is confronting. These include the depressing lack of cultural infrastructure in Sydney, the financial challenges faced by our smaller companies, the problems created by a "one size fits all" wages system and the apparent Federal Government indifference to making any meaningful investment into our creative sector. While there may be dark clouds on Australia's economic horizon there is still much to be optimistic about. Ours is a great industry and I thank the LPA Executive Council and the LPA membership for allowing me the privilege of being their President. I leave the organisation in the safe hands of our wonderful CEO Evelyn Richardson and her amazing staff and welcome Richard Evans into the role."
Current Executive Councilor and incoming President, Richard Evans, has served the association for 12 years, including as Vice-President 2011-12. He is currently Managing Director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra and formerly held roles as Executive Director of The Bell Shakespeare Company, Managing Director of Sydney's BridgeClimb, Executive Director of The Australian Ballet, Interim Managing Director of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and CEO of Sydney Opera House.
