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A new leader for country arts

Lew Owens is the new Chair of Country Arts SA.

The Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts John Hill has announced the appointment of Lew Owens as the new Chair of Country Arts SA.

Lew Owens, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer of ETSA Utilities, one of South Australia's largest companies, takes over from Steve Grieve.

Minister Hill said "I'd like to place on record my admiration for Steve Grieve, who for almost six years led Country Arts SA with passion and enthusiasm.

"During his term as Chair, he's helped establish the Regional Centre of Culture Program in Port Augusta, started on the work of redeveloping our regional theatres and brought the Hopgood Theatre at Noarlunga into the country arts family."

"This very successful period for Country Arts SA also included two Fleurieu Peninsula Biennale events.

"I'm sure Lew will continue to build on the success of Country Arts SA. His breadth of experience in the competitive private sector and an understanding of regional issues will be invaluable. As an ambassador for Reconciliation SA he's also well placed to support artistic endeavours which promote reconciliation with indigenous Australians".

Lewis Owens said. "I've followed Country Arts SA's success across regional South Australia with great interest over many years and I'm really looking forward to this new and exciting opportunity."

Country Arts SA has a broad responsibility for the development of the arts across regional South Australia including the management of the five State-owned 500 seat performing arts centres in Whyalla, Port Pirie, Renmark, Mount Gambier and Noarlunga.

Country Arts SA also provides opportunities for people living in regional communities to get into the arts through performance, visual arts, touring programs and grants that support locally inspired projects.