Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia Reveals New Board Chair Appointment
Julian Donaldson joins the Co3 board, succeeding outgoing chair Margrete Helgeby Chaney after over a decade of leadership.
Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia has announced the appointment of respected cultural leader Julian Donaldson to the Board of Co3, with Julian set to assume the role of Chair in August 2026 upon Margrete Helgeby Chaney's retirement.
The transition marks the culmination of more than a decade of Margrete's leadership and contribution to the organisation before and since its establishment in 2014.
The Board acknowledges Margrete's extraordinary contribution to Co3 over the company's formative years.
Under Margrete's leadership, Co3 has strengthened its position as Western Australia's state contemporary dance company, expanded its philanthropic and government partnerships, delivered acclaimed performance outcomes, and deepened its engagement with audiences and communities across Western Australia and beyond.
Margrete reflected, “It has been one of the great privileges of my professional life to help guide Co3 through its establishment and growth over the past twelve years. What began as an ambitious and important vision for a contemporary dance company in Western Australia, has grown into an organisation of genuine local and national significance and one that shines brightly and confidently on an international stage.”
“I am immensely proud of the achievements of the company, and grateful for the passion and dedication of the many artists, staff, partners, donors, audiences and communities who have contributed to Co3's journey to date. I am genuinely excited by the future we now herald in.”
“Crucially, I believe the company enters this next chapter from a position of strength, stability and artistic confidence; readied to further embed itself as a key cultural and creative contributor to a vibrant and engaged Western Australia.”
“I am deeply confident in the appointment of Julian Donaldson to the Board and in his future leadership as Chair. Julian brings exceptional cultural leadership experience, strategic insight and a genuine commitment to the role the arts play in our communities. I believe he is exceptionally well placed to help guide Co3 through its next chapter with care, ambition and stability.”
Margrete will continue as Chair until August 2026 when Julian Donaldson will assume the role. Strategically, this ensures a planned and orderly leadership transition during a pivotal period for the company, including the appointment of its next Artistic Director.
Julian Donaldson brings extensive governance, cultural leadership and strategic experience to the company.
He previously led the Perth International Arts Festival for ten years and most recently was Executive Director of the National Trust of Western Australia until January 2026. His governance experience includes service as a local government mayor and chief commissioner, membership of the City of Perth Cultural Advisory Committee, the international board of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, and board roles with the Perth Theatre Trust and Perth Symphony Orchestra.
Julian Donaldson said, “Co3 occupies a significant place within Western Australia's cultural landscape. The company has built a reputation for ambitious artistic work, meaningful community connection and a strong reputation for sector leadership.”
“I have long admired Co3's commitment to contemporary dance as a powerful form of storytelling and human connection. I am honoured to join the Board at such an important moment in the company's evolution and look forward to contributing to its continued growth and impact.”
“Margrete's contribution to Co3 over more than a decade has been extraordinary. Her leadership, advocacy and belief in the importance of contemporary dance have helped shape it into the respected company it is today. I am deeply appreciative of the foundations she has helped establish and the generosity with which she continues to support the company through this important transition.”
“Co3 enters this next phase with strong foundations, a clear sense of purpose and an exciting future ahead. I look forward to working alongside the Board and executive leadership to support Co3's next chapter.”
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