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Ngununggula welcomes industry titan as its new Gallery Director
Susi Muddiman has joined the award-winning not for profit regional gallery, Ngununggula, as its new Gallery Director, stepping into the role last week. Previously, the Director of the Tweed Regional Gallery, where she spearheaded the redevelopment of the prestigious Margaret Olley Art Centre, Muddiman brings a wealth of experience in curatorial practice, arts administration and community engagement. With over 25 years of experience in the arts sector, she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours List 2015 for service to the galleries and museums of NSW. Originally from Lismore, she has served on the Visual Arts Board through Create NSW and as a Board Member of Museums & Galleries of NSW. She has contributed to numerous committees, judging panels and advisory roles while curating many exhibitions that have enjoyed national touring success.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join the Ngununggula team at such an exciting moment in the gallery’s evolution,” says Muddiman. “As a regional gallery leader for over two decades, I understand the vital role these institutions play in bringing contemporary traditional art to regional communities. Ngununggula’s commitment to presenting diverse artistic practices from across Australia and internationally, combined with its stunning location and state-of-the-art facilities, creates extraordinary opportunities for meaningful cultural conversations.”
Chair of Ngununggula’s Board of Directors, Jamie Burreket, adds: “Susi’s exceptional experience and visionary approach to regional gallery leadership make her the ideal choice to guide Ngununggula. She has a proven track record in developing world-class cultural destinations, which enrich and add to the local community, combined with her deep understanding of how regional galleries can serve as catalysts for artistic excellence and community engagement.”
Artspace Sydney farewells senior curator
After 10 years at Artspace Sydney, Talia Linz is stepping down from her role. As Senior Curator Linz played a key role in the development and presentation of Artspace’s artistic program from 2015 through to its redevelopment, collaborating on major solo commissions, international group exhibitions, national tours, public programs, studio residencies, learning initiatives and publishing.
Select projects include Dennis Golding: Colouring Memory, the inaugural Banner Series on The Gunnery facade and Artspace’s first 40-year archive presentation, 2023. She was also involved with national touring exhibitions 52 ACTIONS (2022–) and Just Not Australian (2020 – 2023); Carol McGregor and Judy Watson: djillong dumularra, with a new performance commission by Jannawi Dance Clan; and the pleasurable, the illegible, the multiple, the mundane (2021), Keg De Souza: Common Knowledge and Learning Curves (2018), The Public Body three-part exhibition series (2016 – 2018) and VOLUME | Another Art Book Fair (2015 and 2017). Linz oversaw the launch program for the Ideas Platform, and edited and contributed to monographs for Angelica Mesiti, Mel O’Callaghan and Helen Johnson, among others. She was also a co-curator of ‘rīvus’, 23rd Biennale of Sydney, 2022.
Tantrum Youth Arts appoints Executive Director
Joining Tantrum from the Royal Ballet and Opera in the UK, Paul Adams is an experienced strategic and inclusive arts leader, and creative producer. He is also an accessibility advocate, whose career spans theatre production, arts education, artist development, community engagement, and systems change in access and inclusion.
Tantrum says his experience and values align with its mission to empower young people to harness their creative agency through transformative arts programs. “I can’t wait to make noise with Tantrum. It is an absolute privilege to serve Tantrum and its dedicated team of artists, young people, members and partners,” says Adams. “I have dedicated my work to building a more equitable arts sector, where everyone is invited, included and can be part of shaping lasting change.”
Adams’ previous experience includes leading the development and expansion of Singapore Repertory Theatre’s Centre for Creative Learning, forging international partnerships, and leading sector change regarding access and inclusion for Deaf and disabled communities; and launching and co-producing the Inclusive Young Company, and developing the inaugural Theatre 360 Youth Arts Festival, offering a platform for young artists to learn and develop.
From State Theatre Company South Australia to Adelaide Festival
SA’s flagship theatre company has announced that Executive Director Julian Hobba is leaving the organisation to take up the same role at Adelaide Festival. During his five years as co-CEO, Hobba helped to guide State Theatre Company SA through COVID-19 pandemic, supported some of the most ambitious productions in the Company’s history, and helped deliver a prolific series of national co-productions and tours, most recently the incredibly successful production of The Dictionary of Lost Words, said the company in a media release. Board Chair Joe Thorp says, “I was very pleased to appoint Julian as Executive Director in early 2020 and am delighted to now see him take on this role with the Adelaide Festival. Julian is a natural collaborator who has forged strong, respected relationships at all levels in South Australian and national performing arts circles.”
Artistic Director Petra Kalive adds: “Under Julian’s guidance, the Company navigated the challenges of the pandemic, emerging stronger and more connected to its community. He played a pivotal role in expanding our reach, forging new partnerships with national performing arts venues.”
Hobba says,” “It’s been a privilege to serve this Company and pursue its vitally important, foundational mission, to make locally produced theatre of the highest quality that is broadly accessible to the community and which impacts South Australian and Australian culture with bold, original and important storytelling on stage.”
In his new role at Adelaide Festival, Hobba will be succeeding Kath Mainland CBE who ended her tenure with the organisation in April.
Adelaide Festival Chair Tracey Whiting AM says: “We are thrilled to welcome Julian to Adelaide Festival. He is an exceptional leader with profound knowledge of the creative sector and a proven ability to turn bold ideas into reality. His leadership, in partnership with Artistic Director Matthew Lutton OAM, promises an exciting future for Australia’s international arts festival.”
Hobba concludes, ““I am incredibly excited to be taking on the role of Executive Director at Adelaide Festival. I’ve been attending Adelaide Festivals since the mid-1990s and they’ve long been a cornerstone of my artistic life, providing a consistent source of inspiration and some of the most powerful and memorable artistic experiences of my career.”
Tutti Arts expands its Board
The South Australia’s multi-arts organisation, Tutti Arts, champions the work of learning disabled and neurodivergent artists and, following its annual general meeting, has recently appointed three new Board members: Emma Kindred, Annemarie Kohn and Becci Love. Freelance arts worker, Kindred says, “I am immensely proud to join the Tutti Arts Board. As an Autistic woman who has pursued a career supporting talented artists, this position couldn’t possibly be more aligned to my personal values and aspirations for the future.”
Love, an events manager at the University of Adelaide, adds, “I am honoured to contribute to the evolution and growth of Tutti Arts, and look forward to championing the work of our brilliant artists and programs. As a Noongar woman and descendant of the Stolen Generations, I am a strong advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, development and recognition. I will bring that passion to my role on the Tutti Arts Board.”
Kohn is a philanthropy fundraising professional, who says, “Spending time with Tutti artists and staff has reminded me of the pure joy that the arts brings to people’s lives. Tutti is leading the way by removing the physical, social and attitudinal barriers often experienced by people with disabilities, creating spaces for artistic excellence to flourish.”
Board Chair Beth Neate concludes, “Extending our Board will help Tutti Arts deepen our capacity, broaden our reach and secure wider recognition, while helping Tutti to remain well governed, financially sustainable and committed to our purpose and vision.”
New Executive Director for Shaun Parker & Company
The dance company has welcomed Marcus Barker as its new Executive Director, announcing the news on social media. “Marcus brings a wealth of experience, insight and creative energy to our team, having held senior leadership positions here and internationally.” Barker joins the company from his most recent position as Chief Executive of Piano+ and prior to that as the Executive Director and Producer of Ten Days on the Island in Tasmania.
Barker previously worked in the Republic of Ireland and the UK with such organisations as the Dublin Theatre Festival, English Touring Opera, National Portrait Gallery and the Lyric Hammersmith. He has also been involved in international forums and as a member of boards and steering committees, including the World Federation of International Music Competitions in Geneva and, closer to home, with Tasdance, Festival of Voices, Tasmanian Writers Centre and Critical Path.
Barker says, “I’m excited to be joining Shaun Parker & Company at such a dynamic moment in its history. This is a time of bold creativity and growth, and I’m looking forward to working alongside Shaun and the team to expand opportunities for audiences to experience the Company’s extraordinary work – both here in Australia and internationally.”
Shepparton Arts Festival appoints new General Manager
Diana Fisk has joined the Shepparton Arts Festival to lead the team as its new General Manager. Fisk brings decades of experience in the arts sector, having been actively involved in the Festival over 20 years ago in various roles. She was also an integral part of the early Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) team.
“It’s an honour to step into this role and contribute to an event that has played such a significant part in my personal and professional journey,” says Fisk. “I’m excited to shape the next phase of the Festival and deepen its connections across the community.”
Fisk will be supported by Kristen Retallick, in a new role as Artistic Director, and Billy-Jo Royle as the newly appointed Administration Coordinator. The Festival’s Chair Tim Winkler has welcomed the appointments, which come as the organisation is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Shepparton Arts Festival, it’s an exciting time to reflect on community favourites, from Opera in the Orchards to literary gatherings, and consider how some of these cherished events might return or evolve to connect with audiences across the region once more,” says Winkler.
Executive Director of Perth Festival steps down
Nathan Bennett will leave Perth Festival in October this year after nearly a decade in the role. During his tenure, annual turnover increased significantly and he played a key role in stabilising the organisation’s operational and financial health. He also oversaw the delivery of Perth Festival in 2021 and 2022, while successfully leading the organisation through the complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bennett is leaving Perth Festival to take up a new role in early 2026 as CEO of the World Masters Game Perth, which will take place in the city in October 2029.
“Leading Perth Festival has deepened my belief in the power of large-scale events to unite communities, tell meaningful stories, and elevate our city on the world stage,” says Bennett. “The World Masters Games shares that same spirit – it’s about connection, celebration and legacy – and I’m excited to bring the creative vision and collaborative energy of the arts into the world of sport.”
Perth Festival Chair, Ben Wyatt adds: “Leading an internationally recognised event like Perth Festival requires a huge level of commitment and talent, and we are very fortunate to have had Nathan’s clear and decisive leadership consistently for nearly a decade, creating a stable and values-led Perth Festival culture that is rooted in community and bold artistic ambition.”
University of Sydney appoints inaugural Professor of Indigenous Cultural and Creative Industries
Professor Daniel Browning is a Bundjalung and Kullilli man who brings over three decades of leadership and experience in the First Nations cultural sector. Widely known for his role as producer and presenter of Awaye!, ABC Radio National’s flagship Indigenous arts and culture program, and for leading the Indigenous Radio Unit, he currently hosts The Art Show and Arts in 30. Recently awarded the Walkley’s 2025 Arts Journalism and Arts Criticism Prize for a feature on Indigenous multimedia artist Archie Moore, Browning will now join the University of Sydney as its first Professor of Indigenous Cultural and Creative Industries.
Sydney Conservatorium of Music announces inaugural Professor of Conducting
The acclaimed conductor Benjamin Northey will take up the new role at the Conservatorium in the first semester of 2026. The Principal Conductor of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Conductor in Residence at Sydney Symphony Orchestra and widely regarded as one of the most sought-after conductors in the Asia-Pacific region, will now add teaching at Sydney Conservatorium of Music as another string to his bow.
In a media release the Conservatorium announced proudly announces that the newly created role is designed to meet the growing demand for expert training and mentorship in the art of conducting for Australian music students. Northey brings more than two decades of experience leading orchestras in Australia and around the world and his appointment addresses ‘a growing need to support the development of emerging conductors at all levels, to enter a highly competitive field – from undergraduate students and early-career professionals in orchestral organisations, to community-based conductors seeking advanced postgraduate training,’ according to the Conservatorium.
Northey will be mentoring and teaching students while conducting ensembles on a project basis, and helping to develop undergraduate and postgraduate conducting programs. “I see this role as an investment in Australian cultural leadership,” says Northey. “Conductors hold symbolic leadership positions in music, guiding ensembles and inspiring innovation. Strengthening conducting education will have a lasting impact on Australian music more broadly.”
Following an international recruitment process, Professor Northey joins a distinguished team – including Associate Professor Roger Benedict, Dr Elizabeth Scott and Associate Professor Stephen Mould – in November 2025.
