Jigsaw Theatre Company, Canberra’s professional theatre company for young audiences, has announced the retirement of its Chairman, Andrew Lu OAM.

Andrew joined the Jigsaw Board in 2006 during a period of significant change in the local and national theatre landscape. Andrew successfully guided Jigsaw through a raft of key structural and governance changes, as well as national and local sector reviews. As an insurance and corporate risk solicitor, and senior member of the Dispute Resolution practice of Minter Ellison Lawyers, his strategic advice has been especially valuable.

Andrew is a trusted adviser to the private sector and Government, and is a highly respected member of a new generation of cultural leaders. In the 2008 Queen’s Birthday Honours, he received the Order of Australia for services to the arts.

During Andrew's term as Chair, Jigsaw affirmed its position in Canberra’s cultural landscape as a Key Arts Organization by securing a 5 year funding agreement with the ACT Government through artsACT. This permits Jigsaw to continue its work as a not-for-profit company with a focus on inspiring young people through intelligent, innovative and high quality Australian theatre.

With the unanimous support of the Board, Andrew initiated Jigsaw’s current transition from a single Artistic Director, to a collaborative Directorate model of artistic leadership, to better meet the company’s priorities to present excellent professional theatre. Jigsaw will shortly announce its inaugural Artistic Directorate.

"Working with Jigsaw has been an enriching experience," said Andrew.

"Australia incubates remarkable arts professionals, and I have been affirmed by watching and supporting their work. Small to medium arts enterprises are sustained by the selfless contributions of so many people who are committed to support the arts as a vehicle for critical debate on important social issues. I and my colleagues celebrate the role of the arts as a part of a complete education, and education is an important component of Jigsaw's contribution."

"To be the custodian of a distinguished theatre company has been a rare privilege. The profound generosity, insights, and diligence of all Board Members and alumni of the company have been vital to Jigsaw's achievements."

"I thank the ACT Government and most particularly Chief Minister and Arts Minister Jon Stanhope MLA, together with the team at artsACT, for their public commitment to professional theatre for young people in Canberra. I also thank Jigsaw's presenting partners the Canberra Theatre Centre and the Street Theatre for supporting the work that Jigsaw creates and presents locally. Through working with the incoming Artistic Directorate, I am sure Jigsaw will continue to deliver outstanding opportunities and outcomes."

Rohan Shearn, General Manager of Jigsaw, says:

"We deeply appreciate Andrew's steadying influence and thank him warmly for his passionate commitment to supporting high quality theatre. Andrew Lu is an exceptional and approachable Chair who has quietly contributed valuable professional insights to strengthen arts governance, and to promote sustainability in the small to medium arts sector."

Following Andrew’s retirement, Dr Adele Chynoweth will become Jigsaw Theatre Company’s next Chair.