Recent Leadership Changes Across Australian Arts Institutions and Organizations

Several significant leadership appointments and departures have been announced across Australia's arts sector. Kim McKay AO, Director and CEO of the Australian Museum, has been named Chair of the Council of Australasian Museum Directors, representing 24 major institutions in Australia and New Zealand. She emphasized challenges including funding constraints, responsibilities to First Nations communities, and the need for sector-wide collaboration. At QMusic, CEO Kris Stewart is stepping down after five years, during which the organization doubled its revenue and expanded partnerships. Alex Henriksson has joined as Regional Arts Advisor – Music through Queensland's Regional Arts Service Network. In dance, Dancenorth Australia's co-Artistic Directors Kyle Page and Amber Haines will depart in 2027 after 11 years, while Sydney Dance Company's Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela will leave in 2028. The Cad Factory has added Caitlin Gibson as Socially Engaged Art Producer and Kimberley Beattie as Assistant Producer. Lucy Guerin Inc is losing Senior Producer Estelle Conley, who is moving to RMIT. Darwin Festival Artistic Director Kate Fell will conclude her tenure after the 2026 event, with a search for her successor underway. Federal government appointments include Alison Dellit as Director-General of the National Library of Australia, Esther Anatolitis to the National Museum of Australia Council, and Greg Sitch to the Screen Australia Board, with Marta Dusseldorp and Nicholas Pickard reappointed to that board. Zoë Cobden-Jewitt has rejoined the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize Board.