Foto festival unveils new CEO

OUTGOING director of the Warrnambool Art Gallery Vanessa Gerrans has been appointed as the Ballarat International Foto Biennale’s next CEO.

Beginning the role later this month, Ms Gerrans will lead the organisation through its 10th photographic festival, the 2023 opening of the developing National Centre for Photography on Lydiard Street South, and beyond.

“The National Centre for Photography is such an exciting prospect on the horizon for Ballarat and will not only boost cultural tourism, but also provide so many opportunities for the region,” she said.

“I hope to develop strong connections and more collaborations so these benefits continue to grow.”

Former artistic director Fiona Sweet left BIFB in 2021, and the organisation has since been restructured to include the new CEO role.

Having been at the Warrnambool Art Gallery for six-and-a-half years, Ms Gerrans brings experience in program and events leadership, improved audience engagement, and securing the gallery more storage and conservation facilities, and a museum accreditation.

She’s also a former RMIT University curator.

BIFB also has a new chair in Alicia Linley, who has been a board member for four years, and is the managing director of Mitchell Harris Wines.

“It’s an exciting and challenging time for the BIFB board and the management team as we direct the transformation of Ballarat’s Union Bank building into the National Centre for Photography, whilst still driving forward with our vision to make the Biennale the most significant and prestigious photographic arts festival in Australia,” she said.