Arts sector appointments – quick links
Adelaide Fringe announces new Board appointments
Adelaide Fringe has strengthened its governance with the appointment of Jamie Dreckow as Treasurer and Matt Tarrant to the Board.
Dreckow is Partner, Audit and Assurance at Nexia Edwards Marshall, and brings deep expertise in external audit, risk, IFRS and corporate governance to the Adelaide Fringe Board. He is currently the Company Secretary for Energy and Water Ombudsman (SA) and a member of SA Health’s Audit and Risk Committee.
Tarrant joins the board as an internationally recognised magician and producer, and one of Adelaide Fringe’s most successful self-produced artists (selling 100,000-plus tickets and receiving Pick of the Fringe and People’s Choice awards). He is the founder of MindBlown Productions and a Board member of Arts Unlimited.
Read: Which Australian Fringe festival is achieving the greatest growth?
Adelaide Fringe Chair Paul Hamra said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Jamie and Matt. Jamie’s financial and governance acumen will strengthen our oversight at a pivotal time, while Matt brings a vital artist-led perspective grounded in real touring, production and audience growth. Together with our current Board, they’ll help ensure Adelaide Fringe continues to deliver for artists, audiences and South Australia.’
In addition to Dreckow and Tarrant’s appointments, Cathy Parker was also confirmed as Deputy Chair at the organisation’s recent AGM on 28 October, and Emily Farrell was formally elected to the Adelaide Fringe Board.
Adelaide Fringe’s Board remains committed to stewarding a thriving, inclusive and sustainable festival – supporting creative risk-taking, broad community access and strong governance so artists and venues can prosper.
The next Adelaide Fringe runs from 20 February to 22 March 2026.
Arena Theatre Company to farewell Artistic Director
After 17 years with the Bendigo-based Arena Theatre Company, including 13 as Artistic Director, Christian Leavesley will step down from his role at the end of 2025, marking the close of a remarkable chapter for one of Australia’s leading innovators in theatre for young audiences.
Leavesley’s decision comes at a time of strength and stability for the company, which now enjoys multi-year funding agreements from local, state and federal partners.
‘The time feels right for me,’ said Leavesley. ‘It really is a case of “you only live once”. My career has worked in 12- or 13-year cycles, and I feel a strong motivation to take on a new challenge. It’s also a good time for Arena with solid foundations and an exciting future, it’s the perfect moment for new artistic leadership.’
Since joining Arena in 2008, and leading it from 2012, Leavesley has reimagined what theatre for young audiences can be – blending imagination with technology and creating deeply participatory works that empower young people to see themselves as agents of transformation.
‘Performance teaches children that they have the power to transform their world and themselves,’ Leavesley said. ‘There’s nothing like watching children have that realisation. It’s utterly amazing. Children and young people are some of the most present and honest audiences you can have. At first that was frightening, but now I only want to make work for audiences who bring those qualities.’
Under Leavesley’s leadership, Arena has created award-winning productions including Marlin (a co-production with Melbourne Theatre Company), Robot Song, Hidden Creature Gallery, Baai and War of the Worlds (a co-production with Riverland Youth Theatre and Whyalla’s D’Faces). The company has become internationally recognised for its innovation in performance, including pioneering virtual and augmented reality works.
Perhaps Leavesley’s most defining achievement was the relocation and reinvention of Arena in the regional Victorian city of Bendigo.
‘Bringing Arena to Bendigo and embedding the company here has been my proudest achievement,’ he said. ‘It was a massive project and an extraordinary journey, but through all our hard work we now understand what the children of a regional city need from their professional theatre company. Our recent Creativerse Festival and this year’s program have been immensely satisfying.’
Arena Theatre Company CEO Debra Allanson said Leavesley’s impact has been transformative: ‘Christian hasn’t just led our artistic program, he’s fundamentally reimagined what theatre for young audiences can be and how a regional company can have national and international impact.’
‘His vision – that all young people are equipped with the creative tools they need to build a new world – has been the driving force behind every creative decision, every community partnership, every ground-breaking production. Arena is immeasurably stronger because of his 13 years at the helm.’
Arena’s Chair Anne Henshall said the company’s next chapter will build on a powerful legacy: ‘The Board is deeply grateful to Christian for his extraordinary leadership and creative generosity. We are now engaged in a thoughtful succession process to ensure the next artistic leader honours Arena’s legacy while bringing new energy and vision to the role. Christian’s ongoing involvement in key projects gives us great confidence as we move forward.’
Reflecting on how Arena has evolved under his leadership, Leavesley said: ‘When I first arrived, Arena created one new show each year. Now, we connect with our audience year-round through performances, activations, workshops and education programs that build a genuine creative community. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to new work and to pushing artistic boundaries.’
Leavesley said he feels confident he is leaving Arena in a ‘wonderful place,’ adding: ‘We’ve answered some essential questions about our role and purpose. With our education program, our Makers program for teenagers, and the new annual Creativerse Festival, the company is in an amazing place right now.’
He also acknowledged the many collaborators who have shaped Arena’s creative journey: ‘Over 13 years there have been so many essential contributors, but Artistic Associates Jolyon James and Eliza Hull have literally changed my life. Executive Directors Lee Casey, Sharon Custers and Debra Allanson have been incredible, and Virginia Lovett and Anne Henshall have been the most wise and supportive Chairs I could have hoped for. And it would be remiss not to mention the unbelievably multi-talented Phil McIness who’s performed in every other Arena project for over 15 years.’
Allanson added, ‘Christian has been the most wonderful collaborator, provocateur and friend to this company. He leaves a creative legacy that will continue to inspire young people for years to come. His will be a hard act to follow.’
Leavesley will continue to collaborate on select projects beyond 2025, ensuring continuity across Arena’s creative program, including the Creativerse Festival and new works in development.
Carriageworks Board welcomes new member
NSW creative industries hub Carriageworks has announced the appointment of distinguished arts leader and theatre director Marion Potts to its Board. Potts brings a wealth of experience that will strengthen the Board’s capacity to support Carriageworks’ artistic vision and deepen its engagement with stakeholders.
Across her career, Potts has held senior artistic and executive roles at Australia’s leading theatre organisations, including Malthouse Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company, Bell Shakespeare and Griffin Theatre, as well as governance roles at Windmill Theatre and Playworks.
Most recently she was CEO and Executive Producer of Performing Lines. Prior to this, she played a major role in national policy as Director of Theatre at the Australia Council for the Arts (now Creative Australia).
A Helpmann Award-winning director with over 50 production credits, Potts has worked with all major Australian theatre companies. Throughout her career, Potts has been committed to advancing gender equity in the arts and championing intercultural works.
Carriageworks is one of Australia’s most significant creative cultural hubs, and Potts joins its Board as the organisation approaches its 20th anniversary in January 2027.
Michael Gonski, Chair of Carriageworks’ Board, said: ‘We are delighted that an artist and leader of Marion’s calibre has agreed to join current members Andrew Maiden, Tony Nimac, Gitanjali Bhalla, Cameron Honey, Robi Stanton, Laura Berry and Jake Thomson on the Carriageworks Board.
‘This appointment comes as Carriageworks enters an exciting new chapter, expanding its year-round program, which has seen hundreds of thousands of people visit the precinct to attend both new and well-loved events that enrich Sydney’s cultural calendar.’
Potts said of her new role: ‘At Carriageworks, culture, art, community and history come together in one of the most beautiful buildings in Sydney. I am so excited to be part of its promise and ambition, and to support its talented, dedicated team.’
Carriageworks Board appointments are made in consultation with the NSW Minister for the Arts, with Potts bringing the board to nine members.
