VAPAC announces the appointment of a new
Executive Director
The Chair of VAPAC (Victorian Association of Performing Arts Centres) Tammy Ryan is pleased to announce the appointment of Melenie Stevenson as its new Executive Director.
Melenie is well known to many in the VAPAC network through her work in the newly created role as VAPAC’s Industry Development Manager since August 2023. Melenie has particularly worked to strengthen VAPAC’s connection in the education sector as well as advancing VAPAC’s critical advocacy agenda.
Melenie worked closely with the previous ED, Patrick McCarthy, and has been a key part of the organisation’s significant recent growth.
‘The Board of VAPAC is thrilled to appoint Melenie as its new ED as we continue our journey of growth in supporting and strengthening the performing arts sector. We live in dynamic and challenging times and VAPAC plays a key part in assisting the sector and its members navigate this space…’
Tammy Ryan, CHAIR.
Melenie played a key role in VAPAC’s current Industry Development Initiative to address the current shortages in technical staff in performing arts venues and recently delivered a position paper to the government on Addressing the Technical Production Workforce Shortage Crisis.
Melenie is a performing arts industry specialist with experience across a range of roles including producing, event management, strategy development, artist management, casting, programming, and creative direction. She has an established track record of securing federal, state, and local government funding for major sector-wide capacity building projects, and artistic collaboration on various performing arts programs and events.
The VAPAC Board undertook an open recruitment process over the past 2 months and received widespread and strong interest in the role. Tony Grybowski and Associates managed this open recruitment process. Melenie will commence in the role effective immediately.
