Ord is new arts boss
Duncan Ord, a lighting designer turned theatre manager and senior public servant, has been appointed head of the Department of Culture and the Arts 14 months after the departure of his predecessor Allanah Lucas.
Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said Mr Ord would commence as director-general on July 1, having come through a recruitment process run by the Public Sector Commission.
Mr Ord, currently the deputy director-general of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, worked in the arts industry for more than 30 years before joining the public service in 2003.
He is a former dean of drama and acting director at the WA Academy of Performing Arts and was instrumental in the foundation of Barking Gecko Theatre Company and Black Swan State Theatre Company, where he was general manager for four years.
He also has sat on the performing arts board of the Australia Council and has been chairman of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre and Skadada dance circus.
Last year, Mr Ord received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the performing arts.
"I congratulate Mr Ord on his appointment and I look forward to working with him as we build an exciting future for the cultural life of the State," Mr Day said.
Perth Theatre Trust general manager Alan Ferris has been filling in as DCA acting director-general since the departure of Ms Lucas, who is now the WA Equal Opportunity Commissioner.
As a public servant, Mr Ord has managed the State Training Board and played a key role in Aboriginal economic development. He was acting director-general of the Department of Planning from last November to April this year.
The Chamber of Arts and Culture welcomed Mr Ord's appointment.
"Duncan Ord brings a familiarity with the arts sector that will allow him to settle quickly into the role," chamber chairman Warwick Hemsley said.
The chamber looked forward to working with him in developing a long-term cultural plan for the State, Mr Hemsley said.
He praised Mr Ferris for promoting greater dialogue between the department and the arts sector.
