Rick Heath announced as new Executive Director of Black Swan

Perth, Thursday 16 January 2020. After an extensive national and international recruitment process, Black Swan State Theatre Company of Western Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Heath as the Company’s new Executive Director.

Rick Heath has over 30 years’ experience in the arts sector both in Western Australia as well as nationally. Raised and trained in Western Australia, Rick joins Black Swan after 12 years as Executive Director at Performing Arts Connections Australia where he delivered a national industry development remit.

As the Executive Director of PAC Australia Rick has been a strong advocate for the Western Australian arts industry. He’s delivered transformational change in the areas of organisational positioning, governance and business operations and has led industry-wide reform in national touring and presenting practice. As a fellow of the Devos Institute of Arts Management in Washington DC of which there are only two in Australia, Rick brings extensive experience in producing and executive leadership as well as a robust global arts network.

Rick Heath said, “In my opinion Black Swan State Theatre Company is one of Western Australia’s greatest cultural assets. I feel very proud and humbled to be selected to lead Black Swan and build on its extraordinary legacy. I look forward to working in partnership with Artistic Director, Clare Watson and having a front-line role in shaping the cultural development of the State. As a Western Australian, my personal investment and commitment to developing and celebrating our unique cultural identity in meaningful ways, for audiences, artists and the broader community, is relentless.”

Nicola Forrest AO Chair of Black Swan said Mr Heath’s appointment was a fillip for the organisation. “Rick is highly respected throughout the industry and will bring a new look and firepower to Black Swan,” she said. “This decade promises to be our most exciting yet and the Board looks forward to working with Rick as we continue to nurture and grow Western Australia’s state theatre company. As Black Swan commences its 2020 program, we are excited by what the future holds.”

Rick Heath will commence with Black Swan on Thursday 20 February 2020.