REA Arts + Culture
Chief Executive Officer
Lead the cultural heart of Darwin as CEO of AANT Centre.
AANT Centre is seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Darwin’s premier performing arts venue, delivering a vibrant, year-round program of arts, culture and entertainment. Since opening in 1986, the Centre has connected local audiences with exceptional experiences from across Australia and around the world, while championing the stories, creativity and voices of its own community.
The role
Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the overall leadership, vision and strategic direction of AANT Centre, guiding the organisation to deliver on its artistic, cultural and economic contributions to the City of Darwin and the broader Northern Territory.
As the Territory’s premier performing arts and entertainment venue, AANT Centre plays a vital role in enriching the lives of the community, supporting local creativity, and connecting audiences with remarkable experiences year-round.
The CEO will play a pivotal role in driving AANT Centre’s long-term artistic and commercial growth by delivering high-quality programming, events and sector support that provide cultural and social value commensurate with Council and Government funding. They will ensure AANT Centre continues to be recognised as an important part of Darwin’s cultural identity and liveability, building on its place as a hub for community connection and cultural expression.
Responsible for all aspects of AANT Centre’s operations, the CEO oversees the generation of major revenue streams and ensures the delivery of a balanced and financially sustainable annual program of popular performances and events that inspire, challenge and connect with audiences across the Territory.
The senior position leads a small, committed team of full-time, part-time and casual staff across the four key business areas of Programming, Venue Operations, Marketing and Communications, and Finance, and will foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
As a prominent cultural leader in the Northern Territory, the CEO will represent AANT Centre locally, nationally and internationally, fostering partnerships, advocating for the arts, and strengthening AANT Centre’s profile and reach.
Equally important is the need for the CEO to be attuned to the character of Darwin, a small, diverse, and deeply interconnected community and to lead with cultural sensitivity, authenticity and respect.
About AANT Centre
Located on Larrakia Country in the heart of the Northern Territory, AANT Centre achieved significant growth in the past financial year, increasing audience numbers by 17% and welcoming close to 65,000 ticket buyers to 137 performances and events. The program spans 12 diverse genres, including ballet and dance, cabaret, classical and contemporary music, comedy, theatre, opera, First Nations performances, conferences, exhibitions, education and family events, reflecting a commitment to breadth, quality and relevance.
Supporting the local creative ecosystem is central to our purpose. The Centre provides opportunities for Territory artists, community organisations and schools to develop, present and engage in the arts. We are proud to host three Artist-in-Residence companies – Darwin Symphony Orchestra, Gary Lang NT Dance Company and SLIDE Youth
Darwin
Darwin is Australia’s tropical capital – a vibrant, outward-looking city known for its youthful energy and remarkable cultural diversity. Home to residents from more than 60 nationalities and 70 ethnic backgrounds, the city thrives on a unique blend of global influences and a strong sense of community.
Strategically positioned as Australia’s gateway to South East Asia, Darwin offers unparalleled connectivity. Flight times to major hubs such as Singapore and Malaysia are comparable to travel times to Sydney, placing the city at the centre of regional opportunity and international exchange.
Darwin embraces an outdoor lifestyle, with its rhythm shaped by two distinct seasons: the Dry (May–October) and the Wet (November–April). Tourism is the Territory’s largest industry, with almost two million visitors arriving each year—fuelling a dynamic economy and supporting a thriving creative and events sector.
For creative leaders seeking impact, connection and lifestyle, Darwin presents a rare and compelling proposition.
How to apply
The successful candidate will be a proven executive leader in the performing arts and entertainment sector, particularly in nationally significant organisations, multi-artform venues, festivals or commercial theatre. A proven track record of commercial acumen and creative vision, with the ability to drive both artistic excellence and organisational sustainability is essential.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact REA arts + culture to obtain a detailed Candidate Pack and key selection criteria, and to have a confidential discussion about the role and their potential candidacy.
Applications close Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Vanessa Duscio I Richard Evans
All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence.
LOCATION
The full-time position is based at AANT Centre, Darwin, in the Northern Territory.
CONTRACT ENTITLEMENTS
AANT Centre is offering a 5 year full-time contract, with a competitive salary package, 5 weeks annual leave and sponsored company car (Lexus).
One-off relocation expense package to be negotiated as required.
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
As a performing arts institution that operates 7 days a week, the leadership position will involve travel and irregular hours including evenings and weekends and considerable flexibility will be required.
