John Hobday, Director of the Canada Council for the Arts, has announced the appointment of André Courchesne to the role of Arts Division Director. The Director of Arts is responsible for managing the development and operation of more than 60 grant programs which provide support to Canadian artists and arts organisations. A native of Gatineau, Quebec, Courchesne has headed the Canada Council’s Theatre Section since 1996. He previously worked for the Council as a market development officer, as coordinator of the Canada Council’s Touring Office, and chaired the Canada Council’s internal working groups on international activities and organisational health. Before arriving at the Council in 1993, he was the administrative director of Montreal’s Festival de théâtre des Amériques and has previously held senior management positions in several leading theatre companies. The appointment is the result of a national selection process, helmed by Canada Council Chair Karen Kain, Vice-Chair Simon Brault and Mr. Hobday. 'André Courchesne brings to his new position not only an extensive background in theatre, but also a strong understanding of the challenges faced by individual artists as well as large and small arts organisations across the country in all artistic disciplines,' said Hobday. 'His involvement in such issues as audience and market development, organisational health, and the international promotion of Canadian artists is particularly welcome in today’s complex arts environment.' Courchesne's appointment is effective from April 4, 2005. For further information, CLICK HERE.