Following David Francis’ appointment as CEO of the Three Choirs Festival in the UK, WollCon will be seeking a new Chief Executive to lead Wollongong Conservatorium.
“Obviously the Board are very sad to be losing David, who has achieved so much in his three and a half years with WollCon, however, we congratulate him on this very prestigious appointment, and wish him every success.”
David joined WollCon in 2021 just prior to the final COVID lockdown during which time he led preparations for the Conservatorium’s 50th Birthday in 2022.
Throughout 2022, David’s leadership saw WollCon present a festival in the Botanic Garden celebrating the entire breadth of WollCon’s activities as well as four sell out performances in the Town Hall across the year which featured specially commissioned works as well as WollCon Alumni as guest artists.
“The 50th Birthday year was a perfect springboard for telling WollCon’s story, particularly among our community and key stakeholders. I was extremely proud that, as a result, WollCon’s work was formally recognised in the 2023 Australia Day awards.”
Most importantly, David ensured the 50th Birthday year provided opportunities for WollCon’s entire community to come together to perform and celebrate the importance of music education in all our lives.
David was appointed President of the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums in 2023 in recognition of his commitment to music and music education across the State.
“WollCon is one of 17 Regional Conservatoriums, and David has been working hard to ensure the incredible contribution Regional Conservatoriums, including WollCon make in enabling access to music across the State is understood among government and policy makers.”
David’s considerable success at securing grant funding for WollCon has resulted in artistic residencies by The Hot Potato Band, Enigma Quartet, Chroma Quartet, a partnership with the CRAM Foundation and the appointment of Mikaela Johnson to conduct the WollCon Symphony Orchestra.
“More recently grants from the NSW Government and Create NSW have enabled updates to the infrastructure at WollCon which means that WollCon now has a newly refurbished accessible rehearsal/performance space supported by accessible, safer amenities.” Said Nicky Sloan.
David has also been focussed on the future sustainability of WollCon and has been working with the Board and colleagues to ensure the strength of WollCon’s underlying business. With the support of the Board he has also ensured WollCon’s permanent staff are employed on contracts the organisation can sustain.
“I am very proud of the entire team at WollCon and the work everyone does to bring music to the lives of our community – for people of all ages and abilities. It has been a real privilege to hear, on a day-to-day basis, music emanating from every corner of WollCon and to see the results achieved by WollCon musicians at performances and events. I’m pleased to see the NSW Government Inquiry into Arts and Music Education and Training taking place and hope it will result in even more young people accessing music education in the future, particularly in public schools.”
David will continue in his role at WollCon before his departure in early October 2024. WollCon’s Board will be leading the search for WollCon’s new CEO.
“This is an exciting time for a new CEO to come in and build on the incredible legacy David will be leaving” Ms Sloan said. “We encourage interested, experienced executives to keep an eye on our website and LinkedIn page.”
To apply for the CEO role please see LinkedIn.
Photos: Brad Chilby
