It has been a while since the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) had a permanent Executive Director of Curatorial. The position was last held by the wonderful Ross Cunningham until leaving in 2017. The role was since filled by Bill Jessop (Now Executive Director – Venue Infrastructure and Production Services) in an acting capacity, with Cunningham also returning temporarily to fill the role again. But concluding the year on a high note, QPAC has confirmed they have finally discovered their next Executive Director of Curatorial. The successful applicant of this role is Jono Perry, who has 23 years in the industry and 14 years experience in senior management roles – covering responsibilities in “commercial theatre operations, major events, creative direction, project direction and management, technical direction and production”.
Below is a quick bio provided by QPAC’s Publicity team, outlining their new ED. Curatorial’s history in the industry:
His most recent key roles include General Manager of Theatre Royal Sydney overseeing the theatre’s refurbishment and grand reopening; Chair of Create NSW Theatre and Musical Theatre Artform Board; Wharf Renewal Project Director for the $60 million upgrade of Sydney Theatre Company’s home as well as being Director, Technical and Production for the company.
Perry has also held key roles with Brisbane Festival and Queensland Ballet plus spent eight years with Opera Australia. In 2014 he was the Creative Director of G20 Cultural Celebrations, and prior to that producer of multiple Sunsuper Riverfire and Santos GLNG City of Lights events.
With an important role in determining QPAC’s strategic curatorial program in the coming months and years post-pandemic, it will be interesting to see what legacy he leaves the venue and its audiences with. Having worked with his predecessor closely, I can confirm he has huge shoes to fill.