A New Lead for Co3

Co3, Western Australia’s leading contemporary dance company, is pleased to welcome Richard Longbottom to the seat of Executive Director, commencing April 2017.

Richard is currently the Community Engagement Director with the Company and will take over the reins from outgoing Executive Director, Aaron Beach.

On the appointment of Richard Longbottom, Aaron Beach says, “I couldn’t be leaving the position and the company in better hands. Richard’s wealth of experience and passion for industry will ensure continued success for Co3, I look forward to watching the company’s growth over the next few years.”

This appointment strengthens the company’s position in the Perth dance sector with an ongoing commitment to community engagement, education and the development of the company of professional dancers.

Richard Longbottom started his career as a dancer with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and has worked in a number of roles including General Manager, Tasdance; Community and Education Manager, DanceNorth; other roles as a dancer and repetiteur; and since January 2015, Richard has been working as strategy and investment consultant to Nga Rangatahi Toa Creative Arts Initiative, supporting young people in alternative education to successfully transition into employment, tertiary training, or back into mainstream schooling.

Of the new role, Richard says: “I have relished the opportunity over the past two years at Co3 to build the Community Engagement Program to a strong and sustainable model that is an anchor for the company. It not only provides training for young dancers but also employment for Co3’s dancers. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead of us as a Company and can’t wait for an amazing 2017!”

Co3 enters its second full year of programming in 2017 since its launch in October 2015. Of the transition in the company, Chair Wendy Wise says: “Co3 is unique in its organisational structure and an internal appointment ensures a continued understanding and commitment to the ethos of the Company. The Board of Directors and I are looking forward to working with Richard into the future.”

Aaron Beach will finish up with Co3 in April 2017, following the Perth premiere of Frank Enstein, the Company’s first collaboration with THE FARM. Aaron will commence the role of Deputy Executive Director of Belvoir in Sydney in April.For all media enquiries, please contact Georgia Malone on 0411 100 340 or Georgia@co3.org.au

About Co3

Based in Perth, Western Australia, Co3 is the state’s flagship contemporary dance company, contributing a unique voice to the national cultural environment.

Co3 reinvigorates the conversation about, and experience of, contemporary dance. The company supports and inspires the development of contemporary dance, dancers and dance culture. Co3 is guided by the key programming principles of curate, commission, and create.

Co3 is currently a resident company at the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia.