CircuitWest congratulates Executive Director Ryan Taaffe who leaves the organisation in January to head up Barking Gecko Theatre Company as their new CEO and Executive Producer.
CircuitWest works with members and stakeholders across Western Australia to build inclusive, thriving communities, enlivened with rich cultural expression and engagement.
Announcing Ryan Taaffe’s departure, CircuitWest Chair Fiona de Garis said, “As the inaugural Executive Director, Ryan has grown CircuitWest from a small volunteer association for regional West Australian presenters into one of Australia’s most effective service organisations, supporting the growth of rich cultural expression and engagement through the performing arts right across the state.”
Under Taaffe’s expert guidance CircuitWest has firmly established itself an industry leader and ‘go to’ resource and advisor for all tiers of government and members. During his tenure WA Showcase developed into one of the country’s best pitching and professional development forums.
“Ryan has made a huge contribution and he has developed close connections throughout the industry as a critical thinker and a path finder. His ability to influence change will be missed.” de Garis continued. “As an example of what Ryan has achieved; in 2022 there will be 11 regional tours resulting from pitches at WA Showcase, a record number that was broken each year Ryan led the organisation. That translates as hundreds of artists and arts workers employed and better-connected communities’ right across WA”.
Taaffe has been with CircuitWest since it was the WA Regional Presenters Association, when he served as one of the presenters on the volunteer committee. In 2015, he took on the first paid role to lead the newly named CircuitWest. In the ensuing six years he grew it to include pitching, professional development, producer training, tour coordination, advocacy, research, marketing, industry strategy, artist support and leading change.
“More than anything, we’ll miss this big, joyous personality and the willingness to support anyone who needs help. We all wish him a wonderful future.”
CircuitWest is seeking a new Executive Director and information on the role can be found here EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – CIRCUITWEST
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Media Contact: Sam Lynch 0419971713 pm@circuitwest.com.au