Executive director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts appointed

The Australia Council for the Arts has appointed Lydia Miller as its new executive director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts (ATSIA).

Her appointment marks a return to the Australia Council for Ms Miller who held a similar position on the ATSIA board between 1994 and 1997.

Australia Council CEO Jenny Bott said she was delighted to welcome Ms Miller back to the organisation.

'Lydia's appointment continues the Australia Council's commitment to enriching the life of the nation through recognition of the unique and valuable cultural heritage of its first people.

'Lydia will not only provide strong leadership to the Council's Indigenous arts programs and support to the ATSIA board, but also champion Indigenous arts and culture within the Council and in the wider community,' Ms Bott said.

Joining Ms Bott in making today's announcement ATSIA board chair Chris Sarra said: 'Ms Miller brings exceptional experience and capacity to the ATSIA division and I am excited at the prospect of what can be achieved under her leadership.'

A KukuYalanji woman from Far North Queensland, Ms Miller has a wealth of experience in the arts and cultural sector as a performer, artistic director, producer, administrator, senior executive and advocate, spanning some 20 years.

Renowned for her commitment to the development and promotion of Australia's unique Indigenous cultural heritage, Ms Miller has served on the boards and committees of a vast range of arts and cultural organisations -- including the Aboriginal National Theatre Trust, the National Indigenous Arts Advocacy Association, Bangarra Dance Theatre and the Queensland Indigenous Arts Export and Marketing Agency.

She was also a member of the Cultural Network of the Australian National Commission for UNESCO, and a Council member of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School and the Council for Pacific Arts.

Ms Miller's work as an actor, director and producer is the foundation for her commitment to Indigenous arts. Her work in the performing arts spans several genres -- theatre, film, television and radio.

She has worked for the Belvoir Street Theatre in Sydney, and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, South Australian and Western Australian Theatre Companies with credits such as Capricornia, Diary of a Madman, Radiance and Corporate Vibes.

Other credits include director of the play, The Cherry Pickers; organiser of the Nambundah Festival of Indigenous Arts; project coordinator for SOCOG's The Festival of the Dreaming; producer of the 3rd National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Playwrights' Conference; and 'best supporting actor' for her role in Deadly from the Asian Pacific Film Festival.

She combines this artistic background and these accolades with extensive experience in public policy and administration in the health, community services and criminal justice sectors.

Ms Miller will commence her role at the Australia Council for the Arts on 11 July 2005.