Adrian Tisato Appointed MusicSA Chair for South Australia

• Adrian Tisato, a director at WRP Legal & Advisory, has been appointed the new chair of MusicSA Ltd, succeeding John Glenn.
• Tisato brings nearly three decades of legal experience, specializing in IP, governance, and complex commercial litigation.
• He has a deep personal and professional background in the music industry, including songwriting, band leadership, and founding a record label.
• Tisato's extensive governance experience includes chairing the Art Gallery of South Australia Foundation and previous roles with Adelaide Fringe and the SA Film Corporation.
• MusicSA CEO Christine Schloithe highlighted Tisato's commitment to championing local artists and navigating industry challenges.

Lawyers advising clients in the South Australian music industry should note Adrian Tisato's appointment as MusicSA chair.

Adrian Tisato, a director at WRP Legal & Advisory, has been named the new chair of MusicSA Ltd, the organization dedicated to representing South Australia's contemporary music industry. This significant leadership change sees Tisato stepping into the role previously held by John Glenn, who concluded nearly six years of service. The appointment of Adrian Tisato as MusicSA chair is expected to bring a wealth of experience to the organization's strategic direction.

Tisato will collaborate closely with an established leadership team, including treasurer and deputy chair Tim Haslam, secretary Angus Crawford, and directors Kate Owen and Leko Novakovic. The board also recently welcomed two new directors in June: Anita Decoster, founder of Baseline Production and co-director of the Froth and Fury Festival, and Kevin van der Zwaag, who leads marketing and communications for the Adelaide Festival. MusicSA CEO Christine Schloithe highlighted Tisato's extensive background in arts and cultural governance, coupled with a deep affection for South Australian music and a strong grasp of the industry's operations.

Schloithe further emphasized that the collective appointments of Tisato, Decoster, and van der Zwaag underscore the board's unwavering commitment to championing local artists and the broader industry, particularly as they navigate complex sector challenges. Tisato himself expressed his honor in taking on the chairmanship, stating his eagerness to work with the board, CEO Schloithe, and her team to support, promote, and advocate for the region's vibrant contemporary music artists, venues, and businesses. He also acknowledged John Glenn's dedicated service, intending to build upon his predecessor's work.

Adrian Tisato's professional journey spans nearly three decades in law, complemented by a lifelong engagement with the music scene. His involvement began in his teenage years as a songwriter, eventually leading him to establish and front his own band in Adelaide. This hands-on experience extended to founding an independent record label and a music publishing company, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry's commercial and creative facets.

Even while practicing law, Tisato has maintained his connection to music through ongoing publishing and licensing work. Notably, he has co-written songs that have been licensed for use in television series in both the United States and Australia. This unique blend of legal acumen and practical industry experience, particularly in intellectual property (IP) law, makes Adrian Tisato a distinctive figure for the MusicSA Ltd chairman appointment. His focus as a legal practitioner includes innovation, creativity, and IP, alongside complex commercial litigation and dispute resolution, and matters of governance and government.

Lawyers advising clients in the South Australian music industry should note Adrian Tisato's appointment as MusicSA chair. His extensive background in IP, governance, and commercial litigation could influence the organization's strategic direction and advocacy, potentially impacting legal considerations for industry stakeholders. His expertise in guiding multi-party dispute settlements through mediation and negotiation, and his experience as principal lawyer in cases before the Supreme Court, Federal Court, and High Court, further underscore his capabilities.

Beyond his direct involvement in the music and legal sectors, Adrian Tisato brings a substantial record of governance and public administration experience to his new role. He commenced his tenure with WRP Legal in December 2023, adding to a distinguished career marked by leadership positions across various prominent South Australian institutions.

Currently, Tisato serves as the chair of the Art Gallery of South Australia Foundation. His past leadership roles include deputy chair of Adelaide Fringe and chair of the People's Republic of Animation. Furthermore, he has contributed to the governance of several key public bodies, having served on the boards of the Motor Accident Commission, the Independent Gambling Authority, and the South Australian Film Corporation. This broad experience in South Australia music industry governance and public administration positions him well to navigate the diverse challenges and opportunities facing MusicSA.

Tisato's academic background includes a bachelor of laws and a bachelor of arts from the University of Adelaide, followed by a graduate diploma in legal practice from the University of South Australia. His legal practice also encompasses handling major government-related transactions and projects, solidifying his reputation as an expert in public administration.

Adrian Tisato's active engagement with the music community extends beyond his new chairmanship. Just last month, he played a prominent role at the third national Regional and Remote Music Summit held in Mount Gambier, where he both hosted and spoke. This demonstrates his commitment to broader industry issues and regional development within the music sector.

Looking ahead, Tisato is also slated to appear as both host and speaker at this year's South Australian Music Awards, further cementing his visible presence and influence within the local music landscape. These public engagements, combined with his leadership at MusicSA, highlight his dedication to advocating for and supporting the contemporary music industry in South Australia.

Lawyers advising clients in the South Australian music industry should note Adrian Tisato's appointment as MusicSA chair. His extensive background in IP, governance, and commercial litigation could influence the organization's strategic direction and advocacy, potentially impacting legal considerations for industry stakeholders.

Source: Original reporting via Australasian Lawyer