Sydney Dance Company announces new Board appointments

Sydney Dance Company has announced the appointment of Michael Dagostino and Andrew Hagger to its Board.

Chair of Sydney Dance Company Emma-Jane Newton enthused “I am delighted that Michael and Andrew are joining the Board at such an exciting time for the organisation. Michael’s deep experience in the contemporary arts across Sydney and Western Sydney, and Andrew’s combined commercial and not-for-profit experience across Australia brings valuable expertise and insights to our governance table”.

With over 25 years of experience in the contemporary arts sector, Dagostino is currently Director of Museums and Cultural Engagement at the University of Sydney responsible for the Chau Chak Wing Museum and Seymour Centre. Former positions include the inaugural Director of the Parramatta Artists Studios, where he developed an innovative hub for emerging artists, and Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre, a flagship cultural institution for contemporary multi-disciplinary artistic practice, where he secured $79.8 million for its expansion.

Dagostino’s career includes being the Chair of Artspace, on the Boards of Accessible Arts, FBi Radio, and Sydney Writers Festival and leadership positions on the NSW State Government Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee, Western Sydney Arts Alliance, and the Ministerial Advisory Panel that assisted on the development of Creative Communities policy.

Dagostino shared "I am deeply honoured to join the Board of Sydney Dance Company, especially as the company looks towards an exciting future.

“With a strong focus on education, I’m eager to support the company’s impact, particularly through its educational initiatives. Dance has always been a personal passion of mine, and I’m excited to contribute to a company that plays such a vital role in shaping Australia’s arts landscape. I look forward to working with the Board to ensure the company continues to inspire and grow."

Andrew Hagger is the Executive Chairman of recently launched advisory firm Famille Capital. Previously he served the commercial and philanthropic interests of Andrew and Nicola Forrest, as CEO of Tattarang, one of Australia’s largest private investment groups, and as CEO of Minderoo Foundation, a modern and active philanthropy of global scale.

Hagger’s extensive commercial experience includes serving on National Australia Bank’s global executive team for eight years, in roles including leading National Australia Bank’s Australian retail bank, and its wealth and asset management division. He is a former Melbourne Managing Partner of professional service firm PwC, for whom he also served on international postings in UK and Asia. Hagger has been active in the not-for-profit sector over recent decades including Board roles with the Wheeler Centre, Melbourne International Jazz Festival and as Appeal Chairman for the Olivia Newton John Cancer & Wellness Research Centre. He is an accomplished musician having released several albums and has performed in concert at Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Recital Centre.

Hagger added “I am delighted to join the high calibre Board of Sydney Dance Company. I see extraordinary potential in the company which deservedly enjoys a reputation for creativity and inspiration across Australia and internationally. I have been passionate about the arts all my life and have enjoyed Sydney Dance Company’s performances onstage in recent years. I look forward to the opportunity to work with Emma-Jane, the Board and management team as the company continues to expand its vision.”

Sydney Dance Company Board members: Emma Jane Newton (Chair), Larissa Behrendt AO, Jillian Broadbent AC, Michael Dagostino, David Friedlander, Emma Gray, Andrew Hagger, Alexa Haslingden, Mark Hassell, Sandra McCullagh, Paris Neilson, Bianca Spender.

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