Culture and the arts in Canberra have a new ally, with the establishment of a Community Advisory Board at The Australian National University's School of Music.
The board, led by former Labor politician Bob McMullan, will act as a key institution in the cultural life of Canberra, helping to build connections between the School and the local community.
As Chair, Mr McMullan will draw on his longstanding experience and work in the arts, including serving as Minister for the Arts from 1993 to 1994 as part of the Paul Keating government.
"The Community Advisory Board will both be a voice for the ANU School of Music to the community and ACT Government, as well as a way for our community to directly engage with the School," Mr McMullan said.
"It will help cement and bolster the absolutely vital role the School plays in our capital's vibrant cultural life, as well as ensure the School is recognised and cherished by the community for the crucial role it plays in our local artistic scene.
"We want to build a long-term partnership between the School of Music and the people of Canberra.
"It is an honour to lead this board, and with the wonderful team we have assembled I have no doubt it will soon make a major and positive mark."
Other board members include Genevieve Jacobs, Catherine Carter, Tony Henshaw, Tim Benson, Robyn Holmes, Deputy Head of the ANU School of Music, Dr Paul McMahon and Head of the ANU School of Music, Associate Professor Kim Cunio.
"For decades, the ANU School of Music has been a centrepiece for cultural expression in our great city," Associate Professor Cunio said.
"We have trained generations of musicians and performers and drawn thousands of people to world-class performances at Llewellyn Hall.
"We stand ready to keep serving the cultural life our city and this new board is another way we will do that. It will help support arts and culture from the ground up.
"A strong cultural and arts scene means a richer community for all of us."
