Geelong’s new $140 million Arts Centre is searching for a new CEO, just six months after its official opening.
Joel McGuiness, who has been at the helm of Geelong’s arts scene for six years, has accepted a role as Executive Director of Experience at the State Library in Melbourne.
Mr McGuiness was appointed CEO and Creative Director of the former Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) in March 2018 and oversaw the complec’s redevelopment.
In a post to his LinkedIn page, he paid tribute to his Geelong team.
“This community, organisation, city and region have welcomed me with open arms and we have achieved great things together,” he said.
“Our new arts centre is alive and humming and I couldn’t be prouder of the team here.”
Leading Geelong businesswoman Helene Bender lead tributes to Mr McGuiness, saying he has taken the local facility “from good to great”.
Her thoughts were echoed by Give Where You Live Foundation CEO Bill Mithen.
“Congratulations Joel – what a legacy you leave the Geelong arts scene,” Mr Mithen said.
In a media release, the Geelong Arts Centre said Joel had delivered a stunning new arts facility for the Geelong Region.
“The Geelong Arts Centre Trust congratulates Joel on his new role and extends its thanks for his outstanding contribution during his tenure,” the dstatement said.
“Joel will leave the Centre at the end of April and in the meantime, the Trust will begin the recruitment process for a new CEO.”
