Arts Centre Appoints New Director

Media Release
20 October 2008
For immediate release

ARTS CENTRE APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR
Arts Centre Trust Board announces appointment of Ken Franklin as Arts Centre Director

The Arts Centre Trust Board has announced the appointment of a new Director for the Christchurch Arts Centre today.

Mr Ken Franklin, who has worked for the Arts Centre for over two years managing a range of development projects including the current seismic strengthening programme, was the unanimous selection of the Board.

Arts Centre Trust Board Chair Cindy Robinson says Ken Franklin was a clear choice for the whole Board.

“It’s only once in a blue moon that someone of Ken’s calibre becomes available,” says Cindy Robinson.

“The combination of Ken’s unique experiences in managing both building and development projects, his background in senior management, and his clearly demonstrated passion for the values and heritage of the Arts Centre, make him the ideal candidate for this role.”

As well as the day-to-day management of the Centre’s operations and property – including the 2.25 hectare site’s 23 heritage listed and three non-heritage buildings – since late 2006, Mr Franklin has been closely involved in planning for the Arts Centre’s future, with the preparation of strategic and asset management plans, and management of a variety of consented works.

Prior to joining the Arts Centre management team, Ken Franklin was the principal of a property management and investment services company, serving a range of institutional investors, with a property portfolio of approximately $250 million. Before establishing this company in 1993, Mr Franklin was General Manager with Mace Developments Limited, which managed property for the Lion Nathan group of companies. He has also worked as a senior Human Resources manager for several leading New Zealand firms.

Over a number of years, Ken has also provided services to a range of community groups and individuals as part of his commitment to the broader community.

Ken Franklin says he sees his responsibility in the new role as working with the Board of Trustees to ensure a sustainable future for the Arts Centre by investing in the conservation of the heritage values of the site, and creating opportunities for enhancement of the operation of the site in ways that exceed the expectation of its community of users.

“We must earn the support of the people of Canterbury,” says Ken Franklin.

“To build community confidence we will operate with transparency, providing insight into our intentions, encouraging open debate, and aligning ourselves with established, high-quality partnerships.”

“We must offer our visitors and our community more fun, more opportunity for education, and a much greater diversity of cultural offering. We must become relevant, surprising and adored.”

Ken Franklin will take up his role as Arts Centre Director immediately.

ENDS

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