Australia's arts sector is experiencing significant leadership changes with several major organizations announcing new appointments and the federal government establishing a groundbreaking advisory group to promote equity for disabled artists and arts workers.
The most notable development comes from the Albanese Labor Government, which has appointed the first members to the Implementation Advisory Group supporting Equity: the Arts and Disability Associated Plan. This newly formed group consists of 13 deaf and disabled artists and arts workers who bring extensive experience from across the arts, screen, digital games, and cultural sectors. The members represent every state and territory and include a diverse mix of emerging leaders, established professionals, experienced advocates, and change agents, reflecting the broad spectrum of Australia's arts and disability sector.
The 13 members appointed to the Implementation Advisory Group for 2025-26 include Adrian Robertson from the Northern Territory, Ade Djajamihardja from Victoria, Stephanie Dower from Queensland, Catherine Dunn from Queensland, Gia Hilditch from Western Australia, Debra Keenahan from New South Wales, Geoffrey Lim from Victoria, Meg Riley from South Australia, Elise Romaszko from Tasmania, Cara-Ann Simpson from Queensland, Hannah Lee Tungate from Western Australia, and two observer members: Daniel Aylett from the Australian Capital Territory and Georgia Scott from New South Wales. The group is scheduled to convene for their inaugural meeting in early September 2025.
Minister for the Arts Tony Burke emphasized the importance of including people with disabilities from diverse backgrounds in implementing the Equity plan. "We want Australia's arts, cultural, screen, and digital games sectors to reflect our diverse communities," Burke stated. "Equity sets our roadmap for change. This group will now lend their expertise to this work so that artists and arts workers with disability can participate equitably and build lasting careers." He also thanked all artists and arts workers who applied, noting that the significant interest from across the sector demonstrates strong appetite for progress and the need for change outlined in Equity.
Special Envoy for the Arts Susan Templeman described this as a significant move toward a more representative arts sector. "The implementation of Equity is a crucial step towards a more inclusive and diverse arts sector in Australia," Templeman said. "This plan was developed in partnership with people with disability and its delivery will be guided by their insight. The appointees to the Implementation Advisory Group bring extraordinary depth of knowledge and diversity of experience to this important task." The Equity plan serves as an important action under Australia's National Cultural Policy, Revive, and functions as an Associated Plan under Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-2031.
In theater appointments, Griffin Theatre Company, currently rebuilding its landmark SBW Stables Theatre in Darlinghurst, has named Daley Rangi as the company's new Literary Associate. Rangi, a Te Ātiawa Māori artist and arts worker, is recognized as a powerhouse of creativity and advocacy who works across multiple storytelling forms. Their playwriting has earned recognition through multiple Griffin Award shortlistings, and they have made significant contributions to the sector through roles with Next Wave, Sydney Theatre Company, The Blue Room Theatre, AWESOME Arts, and Creative Australia. Beginning this week, Rangi will dive into Griffin's artistic programs, supporting playwrights, nurturing new work, and expanding their own dramaturgical practice. This position is made possible through generous support from the Robertson Foundation and the Malcolm Robertson Foundation.
Malthouse Theatre has appointed Dean Bryant as its next Artistic Director, marking a new era for one of the country's most influential centers of contemporary performance. Bryant's career is distinguished by extraordinary range, spanning new plays to musicals, opera to cabaret, satire to documentary theater, with a particular talent for creating work that is theatrically bold, culturally resonant, and emotionally charged. His appointment signals a programming philosophy that values risk, rigor, and fun in equal measure. "Malthouse gets to be the naughty one," Bryant explains. "The company that pushes boundaries, invites new audiences in, and throws a party while doing it. That's its legacy and its future. Melbourne needs a Malthouse that's thriving."
Described by The Guardian as one of Australia's greatest directors, Bryant assumes the role at a pivotal moment. In a city with just two mainstage companies, Malthouse occupies a vital space as a home for theatrical risk, irreverence, and artistic inventiveness. Bryant's appointment affirms the company's belief that expanding audiences doesn't require softening edges, but rather sharpening what makes Malthouse distinct. "The goal isn't just growth. It's hunger. Risk. Joy," he says. "You can feel it when a show catches fire, word of mouth surges, a foyer buzzes, and people leave the theater changed. That's the alchemy I want to chase."
Raised on a dairy farm in regional Victoria, Bryant moved to Melbourne to study law but found his calling in the rehearsal room. Since then, he has carved out one of the most versatile and decorated careers in the country, earning five Green Room Awards, three Sydney Theater Awards, and a Helpmann Award. His impressive resume spans Melbourne Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company, State Theatre Company South Australia, Opera Australia, Victorian Opera, Sydney Festival, and New York Musical Theatre Festival. His recent work includes productions from Candide to Circle Mirror Transformation, Dear Evan Hansen to The Normal Heart, La Bohème, Hubris – Humiliation, and the multi-award-winning My Brilliant Career, which he co-wrote with Sheridan Harbridge and Mathew Frank for Melbourne Theatre Company. Bryant will officially commence as Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Malthouse Theatre in October 2025.
100 Story Building, a social enterprise developing creativity and literacy for children and young people, has appointed Magenta Sheridan as its new Creative Programs Manager, a newly created leadership role designed to grow and diversify the organization's programs. Sheridan brings over a decade of experience across the arts, education, and literary sectors, having held senior leadership roles with Going Down Swinging and Next Wave, and most recently serving as CEO of Express Media. At Express Media, she oversaw flagship initiatives such as Voiceworks magazine and the Toolkits national program for emerging writers, supporting hundreds of young people to develop their creative voices. Under the strategic vision of CEO Lena Cirillo, Sheridan will lead the design and delivery of 100 Story Building's creative programs, including flagship initiatives such as Story Hubs and Early Harvest, while co-designing new opportunities with communities, schools, and partners.
The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) has welcomed two distinguished new board members. Internationally renowned Australian artist Patricia Piccinini and arts advocate Dr. Theresia Spencer have joined the ACCA Board, as announced by Chair Dr. Terry Wu. Piccinini, one of Australia's best-known and globally celebrated artists, currently serves as Professor of Practice at RMIT University and represented Australia at the 2003 Venice Biennale. Her work is held in all leading Australian and many international collecting institutions. Spencer, a Melbourne-based arts philanthropist, brings deep commitment to supporting cultural institutions and artistic practice and serves as an Australian Ambassador for the Venice Biennale. She holds a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree in Orthodontics and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
Vivid Sydney, Australia's largest event and the Southern Hemisphere's leading multi-artform festival, has appointed renowned arts leader Brett Sheehy AO as Festival Director. With a career spanning more than two decades, Sheehy has led four of Australia's premier arts organizations: Sydney Festival, Adelaide Festival, Melbourne Festival, and Melbourne Theatre Company, delivering transformative growth, international acclaim, and lasting legacies at each. Under his leadership, works he programmed received 117 Helpmann Award nominations with 24 wins and 186 Green Room Award nominations with 35 wins. In 2024, he was appointed to reset the Adelaide Festival, where in just eight months he reversed a seven-figure deficit and delivered both critical acclaim and a strong surplus.
Finally, Ten Days on the Island, Tasmania's statewide celebration of community, creativity, and place, has announced the appointment of Kerry Sarten as its new Chair. The unanimous Board decision marks the beginning of a new chapter focused on leveraging the festival's successful history while continuing to provide unique cultural experiences and build community cohesion through increased audience participation and strategic partnerships. Sarten brings a distinguished background in law and finance to the role, coupled with strong passion for Tasmania and its communities, and will support the continued evolution of Ten Days on the Island while strengthening the festival's governance and financial foundations during a period poised for continued growth and recognition.
