Arts Minister Simon Crean today announced the appointments of new chairs to the Australia Council for the Arts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board (ATSIAB) and the Literature Board.

Ms Lee-Ann Buckskin has been appointed as Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board - the first time a female has been appointed to this position.

Ms Buckskin has a strong background in festivals and events. She produced Blak Nite 05, Australia's leading Indigenous Youth Arts Showcase as part of the 2005 Come Out Festival and has a strong focus on developing youth leadership and community through the arts.

In the literary space Melbourne-based writer, journalist, editor and publisher Ms Sophie Cunningham has been appointed as the new Chair of the Literature Board.Ms Cunningham is the author of Geography (2004), Bird (2008) and Melbourne (2011). She currently sits on the Board of the Stella Prize and the Melbourne Writers Festival 2011-12 Programming Committee.

Mr Crean said both appointments would contribute valuable industry knowledge and expertise to the Australia Council boards.

"Ms Buckskin's appointment as Chair of ATSIAB will capitalise on her experience in facilitating development programs while Ms Cunningham's extensive sector knowledge, and experience in both writing and publishing will provide industry insight to the Literature Board," Mr Crean said.

"Both of these appointments will strengthen the expertise of these advisory bodies and continue to ensure that their work reflects and is responsive to the needs of the industries they represent."

The artform boards will continue their role in developing and supporting their sectors while the government considers the review of the Australia Council as part of the National Cultural Policy.

22 May 2012