Regional Arts NSW Farewells Long-time CEO, Elizabeth Rogers

This Friday, 8th October 2021, after 15 years at the helm of Regional Arts NSW (RANSW), CEO Elizabeth Rogers will depart the organisation.

Elizabeth has led the strategic work of RANSW with passion, drive, and commitment to art and culture in regional NSW and leaves an impressive legacy.

During her time, Elizabeth has advocated at a national level on behalf of the 14 Regional Arts Development Organisations (RADOs) operating in NSW. She has worked with Regional Arts Australia to ensure the needs of artists, and arts organisations in regional NSW are accommodated in the design of national funding programs, particularly the Regional Arts Fund (RAF). And she spearheaded the indispensable four-year program Art state, which shined a light on excellence in regional arts practice and the exciting possibilities for arts and cultural development across the state.

Regional Arts NSW Chair Julie Briggs praised Elizabeth for her invaluable contribution to regional artists and arts organisations across NSW.

Peak bodies are important. We provide a coherent voice that speaks to the unique issues of those we represent. Elizabeth has been that voice for regional artists and arts organisations for 15 years. At times she has been the loudest voice in the room, and we are very thankful for that.

Elizabeth’s stable and collegiate leadership as CEO of Regional Arts NSW leaves the organisation in a solid position to move forward after successfully navigating recent funding and Covid challenges.

It has been an enormous privilege to have been in this role for the past 15 years. I have travelled the length and breadth of the state working with the extraordinary leaders, artists and cultural workers who are so dedicated and contribute wholeheartedly to making their communities vibrant and appealing places to live. Across all genres of artistic practice there is amazing work produced in regional NSW. I have particularly enjoyed working with the RADOs and seeing firsthand the impact that this unique network of regionally based independent organizations makes in the regional and rural parts of the state.

I have been well supported by great teams, chairs and board members. I am proud of what we have achieved over the past 15 years building on the organisation’s 75 year history. With a new logo, website and strategic plan in place, RANSW has a bright future. For me, it’s time for a new challenge.

Elizabeth will take over as CEO of Canberra Glassworks from early October, where her breadth of knowledge, experience, and consummate management skills will be an asset in increasing the profile of Glassworks as a nationally and internationally recognised centre for excellence in contemporary art and craft.

The contribution to RANSW by Elizabeth has undoubtedly strengthened the organisation and put it in good stead to continue providing the much-needed services to regional NSW as a peak body for arts and cultural development.