Performing Lines announces new CEO

Performing Lines has announced the appointment of Fenn Gordon as its new Chief Executive Officer following the retirement of its founder, Wendy Blacklock, after 21 years at the helm.

Performing Lines has announced the appointment of Fenn Gordon as its new Chief Executive Officer following the retirement of its founder, Wendy Blacklock, after 21 years at the helm.

The Chair of Performing Lines board, Robin Hughes, said of the appointment: “Under Wendy’s leadership Performing Lines has become an indispensable part of the performing arts landscape in Australia.  In Fenn Gordon, the board has found the energy, commitment and judgement to lead the company in its next phase of development.  Fenn has dedicated herself to the support of artists and their work and has the experience and flexibility of mind to respond to changing needs and opportunities, with imagination and enterprise.”

Fenn Gordon comes to Performing Lines from the Australia Council. As Director of Market Development she has led a team implementing strategies to develop audiences for Australian artists and organisations nationally and internationally. Prior to joining the Australia Council Fenn worked as an independent producer in New Zealand for eighteen years.  She moved to Australia in 2007 to work as a senior producer at Performing Lines responsible for international projects.  

In her 20 year career Fenn has produced and toured the work of many artists through the UK, Europe, Central and North America.  She developed and delivered courses in arts management at both undergraduate and graduate level and is the author of The Touring Manual.

Fenn Gordon will take up her new position on 1 June.

“I’m excited and honoured to take up Wendy’s extraordinary legacy,” Fenn said. 

“In Performing Lines Wendy created a company that plays a pivotal role in contemporary Australian performing arts.  She and her staff have realised the vision of many significant contemporary artists and are recognised for their key expertise in many critical sector issues.  I look forward to leading Performing Lines into its third decade.”

Wendy Blacklock commented: “Fenn Gordon will bring great experience in producing and touring artists of many different genres nationally and internationally. I am confident her judgement and expertise will extend the range and capacity of Performing Lines.”