The Convent Chair, Board and Team are delighted to announce the appointment of Justine Hyde as CEO of the Abbotsford Convent Foundation. Justine’s extensive experience in the Cultural, Government and Commercial sectors stand her in good stead to take the helm of our National Heritage listed multi-arts CEO precinct.
Justine has a dynamic track record of setting an ambitious vision, identifying new opportunities, challenging the status quo and driving change. Previous positions include Director Creative City at City of Melbourne, and Director Experience and Acting CEO at State Library Victoria, where she implemented creative programs, oversaw capital developments and brought to life community-centric arts and heritage projects with a focus on access and inclusion and First Nations engagement.
As well as her extensive list of leadership skills, Justine is an accomplished writer and critic, with an impressive portfolio of published pieces and extensive experience in the media and public speaking. Her knowledge and understanding of arts investment, fundraising, relationship cultivation and securing Government grants will prove invaluable to the long-term success of our non-profit organisation.
So, what does Justine have planned for the future of the Convent? Who better to answer that question than the Convent’s new CEO herself.
Tell us more about yourself, Justine.
JH: Most recently I’ve been working at the City of Melbourne leading the Creative City portfolio which included arts venues and programming, the creative spaces program, arts grants, public art, the art and heritage collection, Yirramboi Festival and the City’s network of libraries, including the recently opened narrm ngarrgu branch at the Queen Victoria Market. Prior to that I lead exhibitions, programs, collections, digital, customer service and the capital redevelopment of the State Library Victoria. I’ve studied Library and Information Science, Creative Writing and Business Management. In my spare time I’m a writer, book critic and recent convert to textile arts.
Why the Convent? What attracted you to the role of CEO?
JH: The Convent has a rich history, beautiful green spaces, a passionate cohort of advocates, amazing creative tenants, a committed team, and excellent venues and programs. It’s an exciting time to be joining on the Convent’s 20th Anniversary and with a Board and team who are passionate about the precinct’s future. There’s such a strong foundation to build on at Convent – who wouldn’t want to take up the role of CEO? I can’t wait to get started on leading the Convent into its next phase of success. It will be a real privilege.
What do you look forward to bringing to the Convent?
JH: I’ll be bringing passion, energy, optimism and turning big ideas into reality as well as a strong track record in fundraising, commercial initiatives, governance, financial management and people leadership. I’m also committed to attracting new audiences to the Convent, making the precinct accessible and inclusive, and building its profile as a key cultural destination in Melbourne. I’d love to strengthen the Convent’s connection to Country and its Traditional Custodians, the Wurundjeri people.
Tenants and visitors can look forward to seeing Justine at the Convent from early October when her new role officially begins.
