Sep 4 2004

Festival Producer To Head Up Ak05

David Malacari Appointed Auckland Festival Chief Executive

AUCKLAND, September 4, 2004— Seasoned Australian festival producer David Malacari has been appointed Chief Executive of the Auckland Festival, announced Festival Chairman Richard Waddel today.

Mr Malacari, who is currently General Manager of the internationally acclaimed Australian children’s theatre company, Windmill Performing Arts, has had extensive experience in producing arts festivals. He spent twelve years at the world renowned Adelaide Festival, most recently in the senior management role of Program Director. He also production managed WOMADelaide 1992, 1993 and 1995, and the youth-oriented Come Out Festival 1993 and 1995.

In 1996, he produced the performing arts component of Australia India: New Horizons, a major Australian trade and cultural exhibition that was presented simultaneously in New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and Bangalore. He was also Festival Director and Producer of Heads UP – Australia Arts Comes to London, a showcase of Australian arts and culture staged in London in 2000 ahead of Australia’s Centenary of Federation celebrations.

“David Malacari emerged as a clear leader in a strong domestic and international field of applicants for the position,” said Festival Chairman Richard Waddel. “He is an extremely respected figure in the Australian arts scene and has a highly developed international network. He is also a heck of a nice guy. His extensive festival experience will lead the Auckland Festival forward as it takes its next step to maturity and I am sure he will be a great asset to the wider Auckland arts community.”

“We are very pleased to have someone with the credentials of David Malacari to take the helm of the Auckland Festival in this crucial period of its development,” said Cr Scott Milne, Chairman of Council’s Recreation and Events Committee, which provides substantial funding for the Auckland Festival. “Last year’s Festival was terrific and it is important that every festival builds upon the success of the previous one. Auckland City Council is committed to a long term investment in the Auckland Festival and we look forward to welcoming David to Auckland.”

David Malacari will take up the position of Chief Executive of the Auckland Festival on October 11. The full programme of AK05 will be announced on November 11. AKO5 will be held from Friday, February 25 to Sunday, March 13, 2005.

David Malacari Chief Executive

David Malacari is currently General Manager of the internationally acclaimed Australian children's and family theatre company, Windmill Performing Arts, and has had extensive experience in producing and managing major arts festivals.

Prior to his appointment at Windmill, David spent twelve years at the Adelaide Festival. The 44 year-old Adelaide Festival regularly attracts the world's top artists and companies and is regarded as one of the world's great arts festivals. David developed a passion for arts festivals during this time in which he was Program Manager or Production Manager of six Adelaide Festivals between 1989 and 2001. During this period he was also production manager of WOMADelaide in 1992, 1993 and 1995, and the internationally recognised youth festival, Come Out, in 1993 and 1995.

In 1996 he was engaged by the Australia Council and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs to be Producer of the performing arts component of Australia India: NEW HORIZONS a trade and cultural event that was presented simultaneously in New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai and Bangalore.

In 2000, the Australia Council and the National Council for the Centenary of Federation engaged David as Festival Director and Producer of Heads UP – Australia Arts Comes to London, a showcase of Australian arts and culture staged in London to celebrate Australia’s Centenary of Federation.

Prior to joining the Adelaide Festival, David worked as lighting designer for productions for many companies including the Sydney Dance Company, Sydney Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre Company. He spent several years in the film industry, has reviewed films for various media sources and wrote the script for the Sydney Dance Company's landmark 1983 cabaret production FLASHBACKS. He has also worked as a stage manager and production manager for many performing arts companies around Australia.

ENDS

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