Viscopy appoints new chief executive to champion artists' rights in Australia and New Zealand

“ The Viscopy Board of Directors is very pleased to announce that Joanna Cave has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Viscopy. Viscopy is the visual arts rights management society in Australia and New Zealand ”

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(eTradeWire.Org) – MEDIA RELEASE

Viscopy appoints new chief executive to champion artists' rights in Australia and New Zealand

The Viscopy Board of Directors is very pleased to announce that Joanna Cave has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Viscopy. Viscopy is the visual arts rights management society in Australia and New Zealand representing over 7000 artists, almost half of whom are indigenous.

Cave joins Viscopy after eight years as Chief Executive of the equivalent organisation in the UK, DACS, where she played a crucial role in arguing for the acceptance and introduction of the Artist's Resale Right. The right entitles artists to a royalty whenever their work changes hands through a gallery or auction house. Despite strong opposition to the introduction of the Right, its implementation in the UK has been extremely successful, delivering genuine benefits to artists without harming the art market.

Cave's arrival at Viscopy is timely as both the governments of Australia and New Zealand are currently considering whether or not to implement Artist's Resale Right.

Viscopy's Chair, Michael Keighery said "Jo's unique blend of knowledge and experience made her an ideal choice for this important position. She combines skills in management with a real understanding of the challenges faced by artists making her an ideal choice to take Viscopy forward into a new and dynamic chapter."

Brett Cottle, Chair of CISAC (international confederation of societies of authors and composers) and Chief Executive of Australian music rights society APRA said: "Jo has built a very impressive reputation in the UK and internationally. Her appointment by Viscopy is terrific news for artists in Australia and New Zealand".

Joanna Cave commented: "It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead an organisation such as Viscopy which has an essential part to play in ensuring the governments of Australia and New Zealand do the right thing for their artists. The Artist's Resale Right is hugely important not least for indigenous artists, many of whom continue to be poorly rewarded for their work, despite its popularity throughout the world".

Next month, Joanna Cave will be attending meetings in Sydney, Canberra and Auckland to discuss the Artist's Resale Right with key stakeholders. She is available for media interviews between 8 and 17 September. Joanna Cave takes up her post at Viscopy in February 2009.

For more information please contact Michael Keighery on + 61 (0) 400 423 853.

Viscopy

45 Crown St Woolloomooloo

NSW 2011

Tel 61 2 9368 0933

Fax 61 2 9368 0899

viscopy@viscopy.com

www.viscopy.com