The New Zealand Dance Festival Trust announced today that it has a new General Manager, Brendan Meek.

Brendan will work alongside newly appointed Artistic Director Carrie Rae Cunningham, to lead the Tempo Dance Festival team. He replaces Celia Walmsley, who leaves after more than three years as Festival Director.

Brendan will take up his contract on 1 May, bringing with him extensive senior management experience and diverse knowledge of the cultural arts and commercial entertainment sector.

Brendan’s career in the arts began almost 30 years ago as a principal Shell Scholar and dancer with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. In 1995 he began the first of what became six years as their Company Manager. Following this he moved to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, spending six years as Orchestra Manager and Operations Manager. Brendan completed his MBA while working with the orchestra and graduated from Victoria University of Wellington in 2008. In recent years Brendan has been developing a range of business opportunities within the cultural arts and commercial entertainment sector.

“The Festival has grown exponentially with Celia at the helm. I am thrilled to have the opportunity now to work with the Tempo team on the next stage of the Festival’s development.”

The Trustees are particularly excited about Tempo Dance Festival’s potential for growth at this time.

Tempo Dance Festival for 2015 kicks off on 1 October. The 18 day programme will be launched on 28 July. The New Zealand Dance Festival Trust welcomes Brendan to the team.

Nga mihi whiriki

Marama Lloydd and Suzanne Smith

Co-chairs New Zealand Dance Festival Trust