Following an organisational review, the Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ) has decided to implement a single leadership organisational model, designed to deliver a new strategic plan for the next phase of development.
In looking at the organisational capacity to deliver its key strategic objectives; to promote and encourage a sustainable performing arts touring network, and facilitate and develop professional networks for the performing arts industry, the board engaged an independent review to canvas stakeholders on current organisational service delivery environment and opportunities that may exist for the organisation moving forward.
The review, undertaken by Sandwalk Partners from Australia provided a suite of recommendations that would support a refreshed approach to build capacity within PANNZ and maximise its potential moving forward.
The Board has confirmed a focus on a single leadership model, which will see the disestablishment of the Executive Director and Producer roles effective December 31, 2019. As a result, Louise Gallagher has been appointed as the newly developed role of CEO of PANNZ, and Drew James will be moving onto other exciting projects in 2020. The Board is very pleased with Louise’s appointment and is energised to work with Louise to build the organisational capacity that will support our stakeholders.
Since its establishment in 2015, Tour-Makers has provided programming to over 30 venues and 13 festivals across New Zealand, delivering 229 performances with 18 productions for over 40,000 attendees. PANNZ Chair Megan Peacock Coyle says, ‘Louise and Drew as a team have built a strong framework for our membership network, developed strong touring pathways nationally and opened doors to allow the best of Aotearoa to make their mark on the international stage. We thank them for their passion for the sector and their energy to deliver such great organisational success in such a short period. In particular, we would like to thank Drew James for his immense contribution to the organisation and the industry and wish him every success in his exciting new ventures’
Drew says ‘I have valued the opportunity to contribute to the development of PANNZ and Tour-Makers over the last four years. The vision of developing a national performing arts touring network in New Zealand has well and truly been realised. I would like to thank the venues and artists that have shared this vision and partnered with Tour-Makers to bring the unique and extraordinary voices of New Zealand performing artists to regional communities around the country.’
Louise states that ‘It is with much gratitude that I have worked alongside Drew in establishing Tour-Makers and taking PANNZ forward over the last few years. His vision and passion has seen us take exciting steps into new ventures. I have valued the time working alongside Drew and will miss his creative drive. We will work on other projects together under different capacities, I am sure, and I look forward to it. I wish him the very best with the exciting new plans he is embarking upon.”
Drew moves on to his next challenge which will be to produce the mass-music CubaSonic project for CubaDupa, as well as other consultancy work within the industry.
More information regarding the organisations strategic focus for 2020 moving forward will be communicated to stakeholders in the first quarter of 2020.
