Strong has a wealth of expertise gained through his experience on the boards of major Australian companies such as Woolworths and Qantas, and with arts organisations such as the Sydney Theatre Company and Opera Australia.

“As Chair for the last three years, Mr Strong successfully steered the Australia Council’s strategic priorities to include art in the digital era, a knowledge centre on the arts and the further growth of Artsupport Australia, the Council’s very successful philanthropic development project. In particular his work to restructure the organisation has ensured the Australia Council is more responsive to artists’ needs,” said Arts Minister Peter Garrett.

In congratulating John Denton on his appointment, Minister Garrett said Denton’s mix of business, legal and arts sector skills would be a great asset to the position of Deputy Chair of the Council.

Denton is a partner and CEO of Corrs Chambers Westgarth and holds a number of leadership roles including: one of Australia’s three representatives on the APEC Business Advisory Council, Board Member of the Business Council of Australia, Deputy Chair of the Melbourne International Arts Festival and a Councillor for the Victorian chapter of the Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF).

Minister Garrett thanked outgoing Deputy Chair Joe Gersh AM for his valuable contribution as Deputy Chair for the last three years.

“The Council has benefited considerably from his experience and practical knowledge of the Australian arts and business sectors,” he said.