Peak arts body appoints inaugural CEO

The Chamber of Arts and Culture WA has announced Tania Hudson as its inaugural chief executive, a new role created after a seven month-long review of the chamber's business model.

The chamber launched an urgent review of its operations in January after recognising its former business model was not sustaining the organisation anymore in the changing context of the sector.

A chief executive has been appointed as part of its new business strategy, with Ms Hudson set to lead the arts body from January 29.

Ms Hudson has more than 30 years of experience in communications, stakeholder engagement and governance across a breadth of industries.

She started her career as a journalist before shifting to work senior executive positions leading media relations at ANZ, Rio Tinto, Minderoo and Lions Eye Institute.

Ms Hudson has served as a consultant in the arts and culture industry, working as the owner and director of Words Communications Consultancy for 11 years and the principal change agent of impact investment organisation Collective Impact WA for three years.

She currently serves as deputy chair at arts organisation FORM – Building a State of Creativity.

The Chamber of Arts and Culture WA chair June Moorhouse. Photo: Camera Story

The Chamber of Arts and Culture WA chair June Moorhouse said Ms Hudson’s appointment as chief executive would advance the chamber’s work towards a culturally prosperous future for the state.

“Tania’s unique and diverse skillset and extensive leadership experience is an excellent fit for the next era of the chamber as the peak body for arts, culture and the creative industries,” Ms Moorhouse said.

“We know she will embrace the challenge to bring to life our ambitious strategy.

“The chamber undertook a thorough organisational review of its operations this year, which resulted in a dynamic new business strategy to integrate arts, culture and creative industries into all aspects of life in Western Australia.

“Finding the right person to take us forward is a key step and we are delighted with the appointment of Tania as chief executive officer.”

Ms Hudson said she was looking forward to guiding the chamber and through this, advancing the arts and culture sectors across the state, and beyond.

“Western Australia is home to a diverse range of incredibly talented individuals and organisations who add immense social and economic value to our state through creative endeavours,” Ms Hudson said.

“I am looking forward to working with the chamber’s members, board and key stakeholders to renew the chamber and build an organisation that is valued by, and that adds value to, a sector that is critical to Western Australia’s success.”

Kim Jameson previously led the chamber as executive director until May amid the organisation’s business model review.

The Chamber of Arts and Culture WA secured $800,000 in state government funding in October to support the implementation of the chamber’s new business model.

The funding was the result of a proposal submitted by the chamber to the state government in July, and would be delivered over two years.