Ottawa, March 10, 2005 - John Hobday, Director of the Canada Council for the Arts, announced today that André Courchesne has been appointed Director of the Arts Division, effective April 4, 2005. The position is responsible for managing the development and operation of more than 60 grant programs which provide support to Canadian artists and arts organizations. A native of Gatineau, Quebec, Mr. Courchesne has headed the Canada Council's Theatre Section since 1996. He previously worked for the Council as a market development officer, then as coordinator of the Canada Council's Touring Office, which was responsible for funding tours and presentations by artists and arts organizations in all disciplines across Canada. Mr. Courchesne studied theatre and arts administration in Paris, France before obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the Université de Québec à Montréal. Before arriving at the Canada Council in 1993, he was the administrative director of Montreal's Festival de théâtre des Amériques; he previously held senior management positions in several theatre companies, including Théâtre le Carrousel in Montreal and Théâtre Parminou in Victoriaville, Quebec. In addition to heading the Theatre Section, Mr. Courchesne is currently responsible for overseeing the Canada Council's Audience and Market Development Office, which assists Canadian artists seek out new markets and audiences in Canada and internationally. He also chaired the Canada Council's internal working groups on international activities and organizational health. The appointment is the result of a national competition and interview process by a selection committee which included Canada Council Chair Karen Kain, Vice-chair Simon Brault and Mr. Hobday. "André Courchesne brings to his new position not only an extensive background in theatre, but also a strong understanding of the challenges faced by individual artists as well as large and small arts organizations across the country in all artistic disciplines," Mr. Hobday said. "His involvement in such issues as audience and market development, organizational health, and the international promotion of Canadian artists is particularly welcome in today's complex arts environment." -30- Media contact: Donna BalkanSenior Communications Manager1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 4134 Email this contactCarole BretonPublic Relations Officer1-800-263-5588 or (613) 566-4414, ext. 4523 Email this contact
