Last year, it was announced that long-standing Chief Executive of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), John Kotzas, would be leaving the organisation in December this year. Since then, there has been a hunt for whom would fill the shoes of this role, and after more than six months of searching, it has been confirmed that Rachel Healy will be taking the helm of the state arts venue upon the conclusion of Kotzas’ tenure.
Below is what QPAC had to share about its incoming CEO:
With more than 20 years professional experience across multiple artforms, venues, festivals and arts administration, and having served on more than 30 arts boards and government and industry advisory bodies, Rachel brings an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and expertise alongside a limitless passion for the arts to the role.
With an announcement this substantial, many statements have been shared from major stakeholders for the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, with them all included below:
I am pleased to say that Rachel’s appointment was a unanimous decision by our Board following an extensive national and international recruitment process led by respected human resources agency Russell Reynolds.
Professor Peter Coaldrake AO – Chair of QPAC
Perhaps best known for her role as Joint Artistic Director Adelaide Festival (with Neil Armfield) from 2015 – 2022, Rachel’s tenure in this high-profile cultural leadership position delivered remarkable critical acclaim, growth both in box office numbers and artistic accomplishment for the festival.
Rachel has held executive leadership positions at Belvoir St. Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Adelaide Festival, Vivid Festival and was the Executive Manager Culture for the City of Sydney.
We were looking for someone to continue QPAC’s resolve of being as commercially successful as it is dedicated to engaging audiences and the community.
The successful candidate needed to bring both business and creative nous, and to be a purpose-driven leader with an understanding of the important role the arts play in our wider Queensland community.
Rachel will step into an organisation well poised to move into a new era which includes the opening of a fifth venue making QPAC the largest performing arts centre in Australia under one roof.
I warmly acknowledge the important contribution that John Kotzas has made to the industry throughout his 15-year tenure as Chief Executive and look forward to celebrating his time leading QPAC later this year.
With QPAC on the threshold of its 40th year, the addition of the new theatre and Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics firmly on the horizon, Rachel will be taking on this important cultural leadership role at a critical time.
The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP – Queensland Minister for the Arts
Rachel’s reputation for artistic and executive leadership and vision with nationally and internationally significant events and venues is certain to bolster QPAC’s long held commitment to supporting and developing our local arts sectors, showcasing our leading arts companies and bringing the best national and international performing arts to Queensland.
I could not be more delighted about the prospect of a move to Brisbane and the opportunity to serve the wider Queensland and visitor community at QPAC.
Rachel Healy – Incoming CEO of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre
The sheer number of extraordinary artists and cultural leaders Queensland produces is remarkable and it feels that the city’s ambition, civic pride and sense of purpose has accelerated.
Its commitment to active and affordable public transport, its Olympics and Paralympics bid, its investment in major cultural infrastructure all tell a story of a progressive, confident city opening its doors to the world.
A great deal of my working life has been focused on marshalling resources for artists to thrive and establishing a productive environment for creative teams to do their best work. I’m equally attentive to audiences: who buys a ticket and who doesn’t; the experience of the first timer and the expectations of a lifetime supporter.
Even after decades of working in the arts, very little can be taken for granted; the environment is constantly dynamic.
Every Chief Executive of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) have championed their own major initiatives, with some of Kotzas’ being the QPAC International Series and the Out of the Box Festival. It will be interesting to see what mark Healy leaves on the organisation when she commences from Early December 2024.
A full biography for Rachel Healy, provided by QPAC, can be found on the following page.
