Raewyn Hill, the Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Co3 Contemporary Dance Company, will depart the company at the end of the year after more than a decade of leadership and creative triumphs.
Hill was the company’s inaugural Artistic Director and has held the role for 12 years. While she will step down at the end of the year, she will remain involved with Co3 in 2027 for the premiere of a new choreographic work.
During her tenure, Hill has led Co3’s evolution into a leading contemporary dance company in Australia, recognised for its artistic ambition, acclaimed performances, strong community connection, and national and international impact.
The announcement of Hill’s departure was made at a VIP event on opening night of the acclaimed work Gloria: A Triple Bill at His Majesty’s Theatre. The work has, in recent weeks, been performed in New Zealand and toured regional Western Australia. It is a co-production with the New Zealand Dance Company.
Taking to the podium at the opening night function, Raewyn Hill said it was time for a new leader to take the company into the next stage of its growth.
“I have always understood that my role is a custodian, and anyone who is blessed and fortunate enough to be in a position like mine in an arts organisation knows that you hold something so precious, and it’s not a forever gift.
“I have been here to nurture artistic excellence, to hold and shape a vision, and importantly, to recognise when it’s time to hand that vision to new hands,” Hill said.
Hill said she was proud to be leaving the organisation with the ink dry on a new yet-to-be-announced partnership, the renewal of its major sponsorship agreement, and the company poised for growth and expansion.
“While the milestones have been significant, what has defined this journey for me is the people,” Hill said.
Margrete Helgeby Chaney, Board Chair of Co3, said Hill’s contribution to the development of the arts organisation had been enormous.
“As Co3’s first Artistic Director, Raewyn has had a profound impact on the contemporary dance sector in Western Australia and has helmed a company now recognised nationally and internationally.”
“Co3 has delivered world-class performances and collaborations, establishing itself as Western Australia’s state contemporary dance company over the past 12 years.”
Speaking on Tuesday night, Helgeby Chaney said Hill had been the “beating heart” of the company during her tenure.
The search for a new Artistic Director and Co-CEO will commence soon, with the company saying more details will be released in due course.
The production of Gloria: A Triple Bill marks the company’s first mainstage production at His Majesty’s Theatre following a significant overseas and regional tour. It caps an impressive six months for the company, which has staged major works and travelled overseas on multiple occasions.
