Sue Roff has announced she is stepping down as Executive Director of Arts Project Australia (APA), Melbourne’s flagship supported studio for artists with an intellectual disability.
Sue will leave the role in December 2023 after 14 years of committed leadership.
‘On behalf of the Arts Project Australia Board, I want to thank Sue for the energy, creativity and vision she has brought to the role,’ said Virginia Lovett, President. ‘She has led the organisation through numerous changes and the most challenging of times. Through all this APA has emerged stronger than ever.’
‘I have greatly enjoyed working with Sue, and seeing her passion, dedication and creative vision in leading the organisation from strength to strength. Through her time at APA she has built its profile and artistic integrity, while maintaining financial stability in turbulent times.’ Lovett said.
Sue’s tenure has been marked by a focus on developing meaningful collaborations and partnerships with contemporary artists, curators, galleries and institutions. This has strengthened APA’s profile as a leader and innovator in the arts and disability sectors, for which it has been recognised with numerous awards and accolades including the 2020 Melbourne Awards Arts and Culture Champion.
Sue has driven a strong increase in fundraising and philanthropic support for APA over the years, and a recent highlight was the announcement of four-year funding from Creative Victoria, firmly cementing APA as a leading Victorian arts organisation.
Lovett said, ‘COVID gave us the opportunity to connect with audiences in other ways, as we went online and virtual. Sue and her team quickly pivoted to provide daily online studio sessions and weekly online exhibitions, keeping artists engaged and actively continuing their art practice, while sustaining vital income for the organisation. I want to thank Sue for leading the organisation through this challenging time. She is leaving us well set up to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2024 locally, nationally and internationally.’
‘Most of all, Sue has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the career development and support of Arts Project’s artists, who are the bedrock of all we do.’
She added: ‘We will have plenty of time to celebrate Sue’s many achievements in the months ahead. In the meantime the APA Board and I offer her our thanks and appreciation.’
Sue will leave the role at the end of 2023. Recruitment will begin shortly to secure a new Executive Director for Art Project Australia.
