Community Arts Network is delighted to announce the appointment of Lorraine Keane as the new Chair of our Board.

Most recently Chief Executive of Holyoake and a former CAN Board Director, Lorraine brings a wealth of professional experience to the table, with almost 20 years experience working in sectors such as aged care, disability, creative industries and health, in both commercial and non-commercial settings. Throughout her career Lorraine has guided organisations through pivotal transformations, scaled impact, strengthened stakeholder engagement and cultivated cultures of innovation and inclusivity. She believes passionately in connection as a means of strengthening health and well-being. 

“The purpose of Community Arts Network to create positive social change through the arts building inclusion and understanding between people resonates strongly with me,” says Lorraine. “So when the opportunity came to step into the Chair role, I couldn’t resist, it was a no-brainer. I absolutely love the fact that Community Arts Network uses many forms of art to create social change, bring communities together, produce art, develop communities and develop the sector.

“CAN celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It’s a challenging time to be in the creative industries sector, and the fact that CAN continues to thrive, four decades on, is a testament to the good work produced and demonstrates that the organisation is trusted by funders and the community. So to be joining CAN at this time feels special. I’m looking forward to being part of the next stage of CAN’s evolution, and building on the work of CAN CEO Danielle Antaki and her team, and outgoing Chair Pearl Proud and the board.”

CAN thanks Pearl Proud for her leadership and dedication as Chair over the last six years. Through the turbulence of the pandemic, as well as several changes of CEO, Pearl’s calm and steady approach has provided the organisation with stability and confidence. Throughout her time as Chair, Pearl has been an incredible advocate and spokesperson for CAN and we are sincerely grateful to her.

“It has been my honour to serve as Chair of CAN for almost six years, during which the organisation has continued to lead the community arts and cultural development (CACD) sector,” says Pearl. “We welcome Lorraine Keane back to CAN as Chair to support our strategic evolution and to continue delivering our pioneering and dynamic projects for communities across our State.”

Pictured top: Place Names Melville // credit Hugh Sando