REA arts + culture
CEO
Step into a role where creativity meets leadership. Shape the story of a city.
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Type: Full-Time, Executive Leadership Role
Applications Close: 10 August, 2025
Since 1953, Perth Festival has transformed summer in Western Australia into a city-wide celebration of creativity, connection and culture. Sitting on Whadjuk Noongar Country, we honour the world’s oldest living culture through storytelling that is both ancient and contemporary. We invite locals and visitors alike to see art in a new light, in a place like no other.
The Perth Festival Board are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead one of Australia’s most significant cultural events into its next era.
The Role
As CEO, you will lead the strategic, financial and operational direction of Perth Festival, working in partnership with the Board and Executive Team to deliver an ambitious, inclusive and world-class Festival each year. This high-impact leadership position champions artistic excellence, strong stakeholder relationships, and a vibrant internal culture.
You will be an influential advocate for the arts across government, business, media, the philanthropic sector, and the broader community.
Reporting to the Chair and Board, this is a unique opportunity for a skilled strategic leader to shape the future of arts and culture in Western Australia and beyond.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader with a proven track record in organisations of comparable size and complexity to Perth Festival (with a turnover of approximately $20 million). While a background in the arts or not-for-profit sectors is advantageous, it is not essential. What is critical is a strong foundation in consumer-focused organisations, where audience insights drive programming and growth – an essential approach for Perth Festival’s continued success.
Experience working with government and navigating public funding landscapes is highly regarded. A genuine passion for Perth and Western Australia, First Nations cultures, and an understanding of the evolving role of festivals and the arts in contemporary life are essential. The ability to engage credibly with artistic teams and diverse audiences is also key.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, analysing financial reports, and forecasting. A proven ability to generate revenue across diverse streams – including government support, philanthropy, commercial partnerships, and earned income – is vital.
Candidates will likely have experience in the Australian or New Zealand markets, potentially complemented by international exposure. We welcome applicants from a range of sectors, including arts, entertainment, festivals, venues, media, not-for-profits, and related industries such as tourism and government.
Why Perth Festival?
Join a Festival with a proud legacy and a bold future. You’ll lead a team driven by creativity and purpose, in a place defined by natural beauty, cultural depth and a welcoming community.
Perth Festival is an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ages and religions, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, LGBTQIA+ people, those with disability, women and people with cultural or linguistically diverse backgrounds.
CEO Candidate Pack and Confidential Enquiries
To receive a CEO Candidate Pack which includes the key selection criteria, please contact Vanessa Duscio at REA arts + culture via vanessa@reaartsandculture.com
All enquiries will be treated with strict confidentiality
Before lodging an application, you are strongly encouraged to contact REA before 6 August to discuss your candidacy in confidence.
Richard Evans AM
