Fremantle Arts Centre’s long-serving Director Jim Cathcart today announced his resignation.

Director since October 2005, Jim has led the growth and expansion of every aspect of Fremantle Arts Centre’s operations.

The City of Fremantle, Manager of Arts and Culture Kathryn Taylor commented “The local, state-wide and national credibility and success Fremantle Arts Centre enjoys today is largely due to Jim’s leadership.”

“Driven by Jim’s ambition for the organisation Fremantle Arts Centre has evolved into a vibrant and relevant arts organisation simultaneously committed to artists and audience.”

City of Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said “Fremantle Arts Centre has boomed under Jim’s leadership and I believe is a leading model for Arts Centres across Australia. We are so proud of having Fremantle Arts Centre as part of our City. Jim’s passion for supporting and profiling artists and ensuring FAC remains a welcoming hub for the community is why it’s so cherished locally and beyond.”

Jim said “My fifteenth-year anniversary and the widely felt disruptions caused by COVID-19 seems like a time for renewal. I was delighted at how successful we were in moving the 2020 Revealed Exhibition online, and how FAC has been re-embraced by the public, and artists, since we re-opened. What we do at FAC continues to be valued by those communities we aim to serve. I have no fears for FAC’s future – the future is bright and full of possibilities.”

“This has not been an easy decision. Running FAC has been the greatest and most rewarding chapter of my career. It has been an honour to lead the FAC team and contribute to FAC’s substantial development, however the time is right for me, and it’s time I let go and moved on.”

Mr Cathcart’s last day will be Friday 4 September.

Long-standing FAC General Manager Marcus Dickson will be FAC’s Acting Director while a recruitment process takes place.