Image: Emma Fey. Photograph Denis Smith.

The Guildhouse Board has today announced that Emma Fey will step down as their Chief Executive in mid-November to take up a new appointment as Assistant Director, Operations at the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Andrew Cohen, Chair of the Guildhouse Board said that Emma’s commitment over the past five and a half years has been exemplary and thanked her for her loyalty and leadership of the organisation.

“I cannot think of a better way to leave an organisation. Guildhouse is in such good shape and I wish Emma well.

Emma has led Guildhouse through a period of proactive transformation. She did this during a very challenging period for artists and the cultural sector.

Guildhouse is a respected advocate with a strong voice for the visual art, craft and design community. Under Emma’s leadership, Guildhouse has grown creative and professional development opportunities for artists, nurtured meaningful partnerships and collaborations, and strengthened its business model through growing membership, social enterprise and philanthropic support.

On behalf of the Board we wish her every success in her new role at the Art Gallery of South Australia. She will be missed.”

Emma said that leading Guildhouse had been an incredible professional and personal highlight.

“I am so proud of what we have achieved over the past five and a half years – our connection to the artistic community, the strength and reputation of the team, breadth of partnerships and collaborations, and the robust business model we’ve created. We’ve been there for artists when they needed us most, in great thanks to a generous community of support.

Guildhouse is in a strong position, doing really important work, and I know it will continue to evolve, responding to the needs of the visual art, craft and design community. I am so pleased I have had the opportunity to contribute to a small chapter in this extraordinary organisation’s history.

I want to express my gratitude to the Guildhouse community that has welcomed me. You have inspired me, motivated me and put a fire in my belly to champion the voice of the artist. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.”

The Board has appointed Guildhouse’s highly respected Artistic Programs Manager, Debbie Pryor as Acting CEO. Recruitment for the role will commence in the coming weeks.