Barry McGuire is the new Fremantle Press patron
Fremantle Press is proud to announce that cultural leader and entrepreneur Barry McGuire has agreed to become the Fremantle Press patron. The highly acclaimed visual artist and cultural advisor was appointed on Tuesday 14 June 2022.
Barry said he was looking forward to helping Fremantle Press further expand its profile, and that his aim and passion was to encourage future generations to read. He said, ‘The importance of the work Fremantle Press does is the documentation and the solidification of people’s living stories. Storytelling is important because it shares … people’s lives and cultural ways with the world on another level … This is one of many synergies that connect nations of this world.’
CEO Jane Fraser said the role would focus on raising the Press’s profile in the arts, education and business communities. She said Barry’s unique combination of skills and experience made him an ideal Fremantle Press patron.
Jane said, ‘Not only is Barry a practising artist, a cultural advisor and an experienced business development professional but he has also been an advisory board member for the Perth International Arts Festival and the Black Swan State Theatre. He will bring an invaluable depth of understanding to what not-for-profits and arts organisations need.’
Jane said she and the Fremantle Press board would like to thank outgoing patron Tonya McCusker AM who has held the role since 2014.
Tonya McCusker endorsed Barry as an excellent choice. She said, ‘It has been a privilege to be your patron over the past years and I am sure that the coming years will be just as exciting and fulfilling for you, Barry and your wonderful team.’
About Barry McGuire
Barry McGuire is a Balladong, Wadjuk, Noongar who has worked as a consultant and cultural advisor for local, state, and federal governments. He is a highly acclaimed visual artist, cultural ambassador, cultural educator, cultural facilitator and cultural advisor. Experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the public safety industry. Skilled in Non-profit Organisations, Coaching, Event Management, Public Speaking, and Facilitation. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) focused in Design and Applied Arts from Central Institute of Technology. In addition to his role as Managing Director of Redspear Safety, he also serves on the board of Western Australian Planning Commission. This allows him to exercise his passion for sharing cultural understanding and safety across all nations of Australia. Barry brings twenty-five years of experience practising as a fine artist, graphic artist and a performing artist, working predominately in the mediums of painting, carving, illustrating, sculpture and also digital mediums. Barry has his works in the Art Gallery of Western Australia and a number of private collections around the country. He has been involved in public art projects and a significant piece is at Optus Stadium. Barry has been involved in the Cultural Advice for the fitout out of the development of Woodside Building and Chevron’s new building with Brookfield.