Footscray Community Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Julia White to the position of Chair, taking over from current board member Jason Rostant.

A current Footscray Community Arts board member and Director of the Western Health Foundation, Julia is a passionate advocate for the local community and the arts. Bringing to FCAC a wealth of arts, business development, corporate sponsorship and philanthropic experience; previous roles include General Manager of Philanthropy with Zoos Victoria, Melbourne Theatre Company’s Development Director, Chair of Polyglot Theatre, and is currently on the Advisory Committee for the Brimbank Community Fund, supporting youth services in Melbourne’s west.

Incoming Chair Julia White says, “In my time as both a patron and board member of FCAC, I have seen firsthand the power and capacity of the arts for community engagement, empowerment and connection. FCAC plays a vital role in the cultural sector in Melbourne’s west and Victoria, and I am so excited and honoured to be stepping into the role of Chair. I look forward to supporting a strong and focused leadership team in this important next strategic phase for the centre and the industry more broadly.“

Outgoing Chair, Jason Rostant, hands the role over to Julia after the successful establishment of new co-leadership model for the organisation with the announcement of Robyn Gawenda and Daniel Santangeli as Co-CEOs earlier this year.

Jason Rostant says, “I am proud of the work we have done during my time as Chair to navigate complex organisational and industry challenges. This includes implementing a co-leadership structure, NDIS registration, a major precinct planning project, financial constraints and a new 5-year strategic plan. I look forward with renewed energy and excitement to assisting FCAC’s next phase under Julia’s capable leadership. No doubt her enthusiasm for the centre and sector knowledge will complement the fresh energy of our new co-CEOs.”

Jason has served an exemplary 2.5 years as Chair, and will continue to work on the FCAC board as a General Member.