Limelight Magazine Has a New Owner

As of today, 5/03/2018, a newly established company Limelight Arts Media Pty Ltd, co-directed by Robert Veel and Bruce Watson, will be publishing Limelight magazine both physically with its 11 issues a year as well as its comprehensive website offering daily news, reviews of performances around Australia, and feature articles.

Last month, Limelight experienced financial difficulties and the future of the magazine was in doubt, but with the support of Robert Veel, the March issue went ahead. That issue is on newsstands today, and on its way to subscribers.

Publishing of the magazine and website into the future will now carry on as normal, with the same committed team of staff, and on a financially secure footing.

Speaking about their purchase of the magazine Robert Veel and Bruce Watson said: "We are both music lovers who are committed to ensuring that Limelight maintains its excellent journalistic qualities and its status as the journal of record for classical music and the performing arts in Australia. Like many Australians we value the quality, independence, and informed coverage that Limelight offers. For nearly 40 years it has played a vital role in the cultural life of Australia. There will always be an appetite amongst arts audiences for quality and informed coverage. More broadly, a vibrant cultural life is pivotal to our human experience and Limelight is one of the few national arts media outlets that supports and promotes the experience of creative expressions that deeply inspire audiences and practitioners alike."

Limelight Editor Jo Litson said: "I am very grateful to Robert and Bruce for their faith in the magazine, their belief in its importance in the Australian cultural landscape, and their investment in our future. The staff of Limelight are fiercely committed to the publication and its website, and we have been overwhelmed by the messages of support we have received from the arts community in the past few weeks. To have two such passionate supporters as Robert and Bruce, who bring a wealth of business expertise with them as well as a love of the arts, can only be of great benefit to Limelight and I am very excited about our future. Now, we just need more of the people who value what we offer to take out a subscription!"

Readers can support Limelight by subscribing for as little as $6 per month. Information: www.limelightmagazine.com.au/subscribe

Bruce Watson is an actuary and executive specialising in the management of insurance and compensation schemes. He was a founding director of Finity Consulting, a leading actuarial and insurance consultancy, and has had senior management roles with Comcare, Australian Government's public-sector workplace insurer. Over the past 10 years, he has been an external member of Oxfam Australia's Finance Risk and Audit Committee. Bruce sings with Bel a Cappella and Sydney Philharmonia Chamber Singers and has been a supporter of various music organisations over the years including the Song Company, Pinchgut Opera and Sydney Chamber Choir.

Robert Veel is a co-founder of Academy Travel, one of Australia's leading cultural travel companies. Prior to founding Academy Travel, Robert worked at the University of Sydney, both as a lecturer and deputy director of the Centre for Continuing Education. Robert has a passionate love for orchestral and vocal music and is a patron of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Through Academy Travel, Robert leads cultural tours to Europe and the United States.