The arts policy manager of ArtsACT will step up as acting director for the next three months while the search continues for a permanent replacement for former director David Whitney.
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Sam Tyler has worked for the ACT government for more than 12 years, including six years at the arts agency.
Gary Rake, deputy director-general of arts, business, events, sport and tourism within the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate, said Ms Tyler's appointment would be a smooth transition for the arts community.
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"Sam was able to use the relationships she has with a number of arts stakeholders to great effect earlier this year as she worked closely with the sector on the development of the 2015 ACT Arts Policy," Mr Rake said.
Mr Whitney retired from the top job on July 10 after eight years.
Ms Tyler acknowledged there would be differing opinions about appointing someone with a bureaucratic rather than an arts background in the key arts role.
"The role of any director in the ACT government is more than just the content, it's about negotiating the public service and the way that operates," she said.
"I think having that background and connection across government, as well as the ones I've built in the arts community, will help me do that.
"While I might not have as detailed content knowledge as some of the other people in ArtsACT and the arts sector, I don't think that will slow me down in the role."
Mr Rake said Ms Tyler's connections with the local arts community would be vital as the agency implemented its strategic plan and new arts policy.
Ms Tyler said she was looking forward to increasing the agency's profile and working more closely with the arts community, but she acknowledged big changes were unlikely during her three-month stint.
"It's really a time for us to consolidate the work we are already doing and build on that," she said.
"I'm not going to rule out [applying for the permanent position], but the process will be an open one and I haven't yet decided if that's something I wanted to pursue."
Ms Tyler said further progress on the development of the Kingston Arts Precinct could be expected in the coming months after the release of the feasibility study in June.
