Magadza to run arts body

A former artistic director of the Perth Festival is returning to Western Australia to become executive director of the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA

Shelagh Magadza will take up her new role from October 23 2018, replacing Henry Boston.

Ms Magadza spent 10 years in Perth up to 2011, including six as artistic director of the Perth Festival.

Since then she has held the same role at the New Zealand International Arts Festival.

Chamber chair Helen Cook welcomed the appointment of the New Zealand born and Zimbabwe raised Ms Magadza.

"The chamber is delighted to have attracted someone of Shelagh Magadza's calibre to this important role," Ms Cook said.

"We look forward to her leading the chamber in its advocacy, support and promotion of the Western Australian arts and culture sector on behalf of its members.

"Shelagh's understanding of Western Australian arts and culture across many art forms, her highly respected collaborative leadership style and her recent international experience will I know be valued by our members and our community."

Outgoing executive director Henry Boston said Ms Magadza's appointment was terrific for the chamber.

"Her understanding of advocacy, her leadership experience and her articulacy makes her an ideal choice to give a clear and powerful voice to the arts and culture sector in this state," he said.