The NIDA Foundation Trust has elected arts advocate Jennifer Bott and producer Garry McQuinn to the board as it ramps up its campaign to secure support for a dedicated gradudate school.
Chairman of the NFT, Mr Peter Ivany welcomed Ms Bott and Mr McQuinn and said their arts and management experience would be valuable additions to the Trust.
Ivany said he was also pleased to announce that current director, Alex Pollak had been re-elected for a further term.
“Ms Bott, Mr McQuinn and Mr Pollak all bring significant expertise to the NIDA Foundation Trust,” he said.
“In particular, I look forward to working with them as the Trust continues our campaign to secure support for NIDA’s newest initiative, a dedicated graduate school.
“The NFT are the advocates for NIDA – we are responsible for finding new and dynamic ways of generating private support for the institute’s students and programs.
"Being able to call on the skills and knowledge of a diverse group of professionals is essential to our success.
He said Bott was also Chair of NIDA’s board of directors and her appointment was an important step in strengthening ties between the Trust and NIDA and creating a strong leadership team.
“As a former NIDA student, teacher and then member of the Board of Directors, Mr McQuinn brings considerable insight into dramatic arts education in combination with his extensive experience of the arts and entertainment industries.
“Mr Pollak has long been a supporter of NIDA and we are grateful that the Trust will continue to benefit from his financial expertise.
"As Chair of the Investment Committee of the NFT, Mr Pollak has helped realise maximum return from our investments and been instrumental in securing funding for the construction of the Graduate School.”
Bott is currently senior consultant, innovation and development at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and a Trustee of the Australian Museum.
She has worked with some of Australia’s leading arts and cultural organisations, including the National Portrait Gallery of Australia, the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Australia Council and Musica Viva Australia.
McQuinn is managing director of London company, Nullarbor Productions, which was behind the stage production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
Previously, McQuinn was managing director of Back Row Productions, and presented a range of international touring productions including Tap Dogs, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake and Jerry Seinfeld’s one-man show.
Pollak has 25-years experience in disruptive business models gained during a career with Macquarie Bank.
His knowledge of investment helps deliver critical value outcomes for the NFT and NIDA, according to a NIDA statement.
The Trust is an independent body that raises funds for NIDA, particularly for projects and activities not provided for through the institute’s annual Government support or other revenue streams, including through donations, corporate partnerships and bequests.