New director appointed at Whakatane Museum

The Whakatane District Council has appointed Eric Holowacz as the new director of the Whakatane Museum.

Mr Holowacz is currently the executive director of the Sedona Arts Centre and campus in Arizona in the United States.

Whakatane Council acting chief executive David Bewley said Mr Holowacz had diverse international experience in cultural management, creative community development, festivals, cultural facilities, and non-profit executive leadership.

"Prior to his current role, Eric was the president and chief executive of Louisana's capital city Arts Council," Mr Bewley said.

"Eric has also worked in Australia as the arts and culture manager for Mildura Rural City Council and was producer and director of the Cairns Cultural Festival for three years.

"Eric also worked for the Wellington City Council for four years as arts programmes and services manager, leading the development of the Toi Poneke Arts Centre, the ArtSplash Festival, public art commissions and creative industry developments."

Mr Holowacz's academic background included a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English Literature and Art History and post-graduate study in Professional Communication.

A New Zealand citizen, Mr Holowacz specialised in projects and collaborations that engaged communities in new and unique ways - often revolving around cultural identity, local heritage, creative process and the expression of a sense of place.

Mr Holowacz will take up his new role on November 6.