Nicola Forrest takes stage at Black Swan

Black Swan State Theatre Company has today announced chairman Mark Barnaba will stand down in April to be succeeded by current board member and Minderoo Foundation chief executive, Nicola Forrest.

Mr Barnaba has been at the helm of the organisation for five years, during which time he steered it through a period of substantial growth and transition, Black Swan said.

Along with the change in chair, deputy chair Kate O’Hara will stand down after nine years on the board to be replaced by West Coast Eagles chair Alan Cransberg.  

Mr Barnaba said he believed the transition of leaders was vital for any organisation and choosing the right time to pass the baton was critical.

“Black Swan State Theatre Company is now in an excellent position, having transitioned to artistic director Clare Watson,” he said.

Mr Barnaba said he was proud to have achieved gender parity across the board at Black Swan and be a part of a diverse executive team.

“It is very fitting that Nicola is my successor and with Nicola Forrest, Clare Watson and executive director Natalie Jenkins at the helm, I know the organisation is in extremely capable hands,” he said.

Mrs Forrest takes on the helm just as the company commences its strategic planning process for the next five years.

Having joined the board in 2013, Mrs Forrest said she was proud to take on the role of chair.

“Clare’s artistic vision is centred on making Black Swan’s productions more accessible and I am excited about our intention to serve the community with new works that present our diversity.

“I take the responsibility of this role very seriously and am full of anticipation for the seasons to come.”

The company notes that during his time as chair, Mr Barnaba has overseen the company’s first major collaboration with the national Theatre of China, greater stability for its financial health, and the establishment of its first ‘future fund’.

The establishment of this fund was championed by Nicola Forrest and is supported by the Minderoo Foundation.