MEDIA RELEASE
Artistic Director/CEO Guy Boyce has announced that he is leaving Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (ManPAC) after just under ten years at the helm of organisation.
Boyce came to the role from New Zealand in June 2010 with a brief to transform the program at this award-winning facility.
“I have worked with the phenomenal team at ManPAC to develop a range of programs, including the SPLASH! Children’s Holiday Program, Morning Melodies, Mandurah Movie Club, our LiveLighter Public Program, our Peak Program and more. These programs are now embedded into Mandurah’s artistic and cultural life. Once the current COVID-19 Pandemic crisis is over and the centre reopens, these programs will fire up again to entertain, engage and connect the people of Mandurah”.
Under Boyce’s leadership, ManPAC has been at the forefront of creating work by artists from the Mandurah and Peel region community.
“In signing off from the role, I am most proud of the artistic legacy that I leave with the gritty devised drama by Riptide Youth Theatre Company, unlocking story and culture with our Bindjareb people, awe-inspiring circus by Pulse Productions, partnering with our local community companies (Stray Cats, Primadonna, Mandurah Concert Band), and engaging our young creatives through our dance and youth programs.”
“I wish the staff, volunteers, and Board of ManPAC all the very best as they navigate a difficult time with the closure of the centre, and cancellation and postponement of shows over the next three to six months. The future of ManPAC is in great hands.”
In 2019 he was awarded the inaugural People’s Pinnacle Award, for an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding contribution to the development of the West Australian performing arts sector.
In making this award, panellist Fiona de Garis remarked: “Guy brought to Mandurah his passion for artists and community; his commitment to quality, layered, nuanced programming; programming which builds audience and community over time. He brought his deep understanding of what it takes to bring art and audience together in a way that provides meaning filled, transformative experiences or just ‘brings the joy’. (Guy is) a passionate advocate for the role and status of regional performing arts centres, his tireless work has resulted in the expansion and growing strength and resilience of the WA network.”
Boyce remains Chair of both CircuitWest and WritingWA, WA’s peak writing sector organisation.
ENDS
Contact: Sam Lynch 62101044. pm@circuitwest.com.au