(Marcus
Desando)
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) has
announced that artist and arts manager, Marcus Desando, has been appointed as
its new CEO.
“Marcus encapsulates the qualities of a
passionate and visionary leader with a skill set to advance the Trust’s growth
and development aspirations. We congratulate him on his appointment and we look
forward to him joining the organisation,” says Chairman of ACT, David Dennis.
Desando, who has been involved in the arts
and culture sector as an artist and an arts manager since 1989, holds a Master
in Management of Technology and Innovation from the Da Vinci Institute. He bids
farewell to Gauteng Opera where he has been the Chief Executive Officer since
2013.
“I am very honoured and excited to have
been given this opportunity to add my voice to this wonderful institution that
has, from its inception, worked at making the arts and culture industry of
South Africa’s development a priority,” says Desando.
Originally from Pretoria, he has been
mentored by industry icons such as Angelo Gobbato, who instilled in him the
duty and passion for the South African performing arts. This journey has seen
him repositioning Gauteng Opera (formerly Black Tie Ensemble) as the premier
opera company in Gauteng. His commitment to youth development in the arts,
striving to empower new administrators and performers, has set him apart as one
of the leaders who has his country‘s development in his focus.
Artistically, Desando started his career
with PACT in 1989 as a singer and in 1994 moved to Cape Town Opera (CAPAB)
where his career as a director and principal singer started. As a singer he
sang in over 75 operas, musical theatre productions and concerts in South
Africa and abroad. He travelled the world singing and directing with New York Harlem
Productions, Really Useful Company, Pieter Toerien Productions and Cape Town
Opera.
Desando has had the honour of being invited
by University of Stellenbosch, Tshwane University of Technology, UCT: College
of Music and UKZN OSCA (opera school) as a guest lecturer where he taught stage
craft and also directed productions. His production of Rigoletto was recorded and televised by SABC 2. He has already
directed over 40 productions and he is currently directing his last production
(La Bohème) for Gauteng Opera as CEO.
Desando will officially join the Arts &
Culture Trust (ACT) on August 1, 2017.
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