Emeritus Professor Sharman Pretty, Chair, Accessible Arts, announces the appointment of incoming CEO Scott O’Hara.

About Scott O’Hara

After earlier careers in classical archaeology and music, Scott moved into arts management where he has worked in the community arts, education, and commercial sectors. He has held senior positions in all levels of government, as well as working as an arts management and creative enterprise consultant. Scott was the Founding CEO of Community Cultural Development NSW, and Executive Manager, Arts, Culture and Events at Sydney Olympic Park. More recently, he held senior management positions for the Sutherland Shire Council, including as Manager of the Sutherland Entertainment Centre.

Governance Experience

Scott also has extensive experience in governance, including five years as Chair of Arts Training NSW, and is presently a Director of the Randwick Psychology Centre.

Scott’s Arts Practice

Scott has a continuing arts practice which covers almost as many art forms and interests as his arts management career. Highlights include his augmented reality artwork Icon5 which was exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea in 2012, and performing his own songs as a support act for one of his favourite musical artists, Irish singer/songwriter, Brian Kennedy. He still performs occasionally and will be on stage on 26 May to raise funds as part of Busk for a Cure in Newtown.

Words from Emeritus Professor Sharman Pretty, Chair, Accessible Arts

“We are delighted to welcome Scott O’Hara as CEO of Accessible Arts. Scott has a very broad background in the visual and performing arts, archaeology and other areas. He also has extensive experience as a senior arts manager. His proven capacity to lead innovation and change will be very valuable as Accessible Arts moves through the current period of transition impacted by dynamic funding environments, particularly as an outcome of the roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.”

Words from Scott O’Hara, Incoming CEO, Accessible Arts

“I am very excited to be offered the opportunity to lead Accessible Arts through the next phase of its journey. I believe that my diverse background has equipped me to be able to respond effectively to the changing arts and disability environment. I am very much looking forward to getting to know all of Accessible Arts stakeholders over the coming period. My aims are to consolidate Accessible Arts position as a key provider of service to the sector, and as a disability-led organization, through my tenure in this role.”

Looking Ahead

The Board and staff of Accessible Arts look forward to welcoming Scott when he begins his new role on Tuesday 3 April.

For more information, please contact:

Marketing and Communications Manager
Accessible Arts