VAULT Festival have announced a number of major organisational changes that will shape the future of the festival as it enters a new era of development, following nearly ten years of continual growth.
VAULT Festival will now be produced by VAULT Creative Arts, a not-for-profit organisation created to deliver year-round cultural activities, with VAULT Festival as its flagship event.
Adam Gray has been announced as the first Executive Director of VAULT Creative Arts, joining the organisation from the Bernie Grant Arts Centre where he was previously the Executive Director.
Adam has more than 15 years’ experience, managing multi-disciplinary arts venues, producing dance and community collaborations. Previously Adam worked for Discover Children’s Story Centre, and The Albany Theatre. Adam’s experience in strategic planning and artist development will prove advantageous as VAULT Creative Arts begins planning for the return of VAULT Festival in January 2022.
VAULT Creative Arts also announced the appointment of Bec Martin as Head of Programming and Sofi Berenger as Producer & General Manager. Bec joins the team on a permanent basis having previously held the freelance position of Head of Theatre for VAULT Festival. She was previously the Education & Participation Director at the Orange Tree Theatre and is Co-Founder of the award-winning Australian theatre company pantsguys Productions. Sofi was previously General Manager for Les Enfants Terribles and Iris Theatre, where she is now Chair of the Board, and produces independently with her companies Metal Rabbit Productions and Wound Up Theatre.
Leading the organisation’s first Board of Trustees, Judith Dimant has been appointed as VAULT Creative Arts’ Chair. Judith was a producer at Complicité for 25 years before setting up Wayward Productions to produce accessible work for established and early-career artists. Judith is a Trustee for Wise Children and 1927 Theatre Company.
Additional permanent appointments for VAULT Creative Arts included Madison Lymer as Sales Development Manager, Josh Morrall as Head of Communications, Ursula Kerswell as Head of Production, and Thomas Kirk Shannon as Head of Design.
As the organisation implements wide-scale positive changes, the Board of Trustees have decided to postpone the recruitment of an Artistic Director. VAULT Festival Founder, Mat Burtcher, will be stepping away from the organisation, aiding in the transition to a new leadership team in the process. Co-Founder, Andy George, will continue in his role as Director to ensure a smooth transition into the future.
Of the changes and appointments, VAULT Festival Co-Founders Mat and Andy commented:
“We’re excited that VAULT Festival is entering this new chapter, and optimistic about what the future holds. The creation of VAULT Creative Arts and the exceptional team members we’ve appointed puts us in a great position to confront the challenges that face us now with courage, kindness and determination. We’re looking forward to continuing our mission of inspiring people to effect positive change through creativity. We’d like to express our deepest gratitude to our Trustees & team for putting their faith and energy behind the organisation and festival’s mission.”
