We are excited to announce Sheena Boughen OAM, as the successor to current ASQ Chair, Nicholas Callinan AO, who will retire from the role at the end of 2021. Ms. Boughen, who joined the ASQ Board earlier this year, has been appointed Chair-Elect effective immediately, and Chair from January 2022.
During his tenure as ASQ Chair, Nicholas has overseen major changes of our quartet playing group, a transformation of the ASQ’s internal systems, the rebuilding of the organisation’s financial reserves and championed the establishment of the Richard Divall Fund for Australian Music. He was also instrumental in encouraging our investment in digital innovation.
“I am immensely proud that the ASQ has been able to continue its engagement with audiences throughout the pandemic, thanks to its resilience, its flexibility, its responsiveness and its embracing technological innovation. The ASQ is a wonderful organisation with exceptional people committed to ensuring that the quartet remains as one of Australia’s pre-eminent national touring ensembles” Mr. Callinan said.
“Sheena’s appointment will be key to the continued development of the organisation for the future. I will work alongside Sheena for the remainder of the year and look forward to continuing to serve on the ASQ Board into the future”
Respected in classical music circles for her inspiring work as the Co-founder and Chair of the Four Winds Festival, Bermagui, Sheena is one of Australia’s most highly regarded arts leaders and brings with her a passion for people and the arts and global experience in strategy and culture. Sheena’s appointment is a coup for the ASQ.
“I look forward to bringing my national and regional eyes and ears to help shape the next era for the ASQ, and being Chair is a leadership role I fully embrace as we seek to bring their beautiful music into people’s hearts and souls. The ASQ brings us such adaptability and creativity, and a new era requires us to ensure that art making is core to a rich life and connected communities. I am thrilled to become the Chair to work with such a creative and committed team to do this”. Sheena Boughen, Chair-Elect.
Please join us in welcoming Sheena to the ASQ family as we celebrate Nick’s significant contribution to the organisation over the years!