Western Edge announces Georgina Naidu as new Executive Director

Western Edge announces Georgina Naidu as new Executive Director

Western Edge announces Georgina Naidu as new Executive Director, to join Artistic Directors John Marc Desengano and Chanella Macri as Co-CEOs  

Western Edge is thrilled to announce the appointment of Georgina Naidu as its new Executive Director, joining co-Artistic Directors John Marc Desengano and Chanella Macri as co-CEOs of the youth arts organisation.  

Georgina has worked in the arts for over 25 years. She brings a wealth of experience and wisdom in creating dynamic arts spaces that nurture the talents of diverse and marginalised young creatives. She is a passionate advocate for a just, inclusive, safe, collaborative, and joyful arts industry. Georgina has worked across theatre and screen as an actor, devisor, writer, script editor, researcher, dramaturg, and cultural consultant.  

“The addition of Georgina to our remarkable leadership team is an incredible opportunity to demonstrate our values in action, platforming diverse leaders to take their place in the sector as practitioners of self-determination, community leadership and cultural equity. With her deep industry knowledge and training in the law, Georgina offers both strategic and practical know-how to our company to ensure we are well-placed to achieve our ambitious goals,” says Western Edge Chair Veronica Pardo. 

Georgina is also a musician and lecturer in acting at the VCA. The focus of Georgina’s work has been culture, belonging, social justice and giving a voice to the marginalised. Georgina has been committed to changing the culture of the arts industry, through her arts practice, her teaching, as a spokesperson, consultant, and activist. She is passionate about supporting and empowering young people, particularly those from marginalised communities. She has sought opportunities to work with young people since entering the industry in the mid 90’s.  

“I am endlessly inspired, excited, and enriched by these relationships. Young artists are the game-changers. It is a privilege to help them step into their history, power, joy, and artistry,” says Georgina Naidu. 

With her Indian and Celtic/English heritage, Georgina brings a lived experience of diversity to the role, which is a critical perspective through which Western Edge seeks to transform the arts. 

In 2024, Georgina will helm the company alongside co-Artistic Directors John Marc Desengano and Chanella Macri as part of a brand new co-CEO leadership team. 

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome Georgina Naidu to the leadership team and Western Edge. Georgina is a giant in the field as an artist, woman and leader and Chanella and I cannot wait for this next chapter of the orgs journey with her at the helm. We look forward to you all getting to know her and experiencing firsthand her grace, wisdom, energy and expertise. We can think of no one more fitting to take up the mantle from our beloved Penny Harpham and lead with just as much love, courage and innovation,” says co-Artistic Director John Marc Desengano. 

John Marc and Chanella both began with Western Edge in 2019 as Lead Artists and were appointed as co-ADs in 2022. Working passionately for communities in the West, they have led the organisation artistically and culturally with a focus on deep listening and rest. They have continued their respective careers as actors and practitioners, modelling leadership and diverse representation both at Western Edge and in the arts sector. 

“The three of us as the leaders of this extraordinary organisation are looking forward to bringing our diverse range of skills and lived experiences together to demonstrate to the sector what co-leadership can look like and the impact it can have. Western Edge is feeling strong as ever, thank you for continuing this walk with us, and please join us in warmly welcoming Georgina to our communities and rooms.”