Criena Gehrke has today announced she will be leaving her role as Home of the Arts Chief Executive in February 2023, after nearly a decade of leading the arts and culture vision for the Gold Coast.
In a statement released today Gehrke advised “I came to the Gold Coast nearly a decade ago to develop the City’s Culture Strategy 2023 – a 10-year vision that would unapologetically and ambitiously outline a roadmap for cultural development.
“The Culture Strategy boldly asked the Gold Coast to value its own potential, trust its own magnificent, glittery, smart, and entrepreneurial DNA and above all, invest in its artists. The Gold Coast is now recognised nationally as a contemporary and exciting incubator of talent and culture ... and Gold Coast artists are leading the way.
“To have then been given the opportunity to lead HOTA through its transformation and growth has been an absolute privilege. Now as the Culture Strategy enters its twilight year, it is the right time for me to seek a new creative adventure. I cannot wait to see what will be achieved in the next decade here in this city that I love.”
HOTA Chair Jackie Trad celebrated Gehrke’s tenure as the inaugural HOTA Chief Executive and added “Over the last few years, HOTA has become a place of national significance that has redefined culture on the Gold Coast. Under Criena’s leadership, HOTA has realised the Outdoor Stage and HOTA Gallery, developed new audiences and become a true cultural heart for the Gold Coast.
“The challenges of a pandemic have not gotten in the way of delivering the vision. Criena’s tenacity and humility ensured continued growth despite the challenges.
“On behalf of the HOTA Board, I extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Criena. She leaves with HOTA in a strong financial position and creative vision for her successor to build from.”
Image: Criena Gehrke. Credit: HOTA.
About the author
Karen Sweaney
Co-founder and Editor, Australasian Leisure Management
Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor and co-founder of Australasian Leisure Management.
Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.
She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
With its sleek good looks and easy-to-use yet powerful functionality, Envibe is the premium fitness club software for the Australasian leisure, recreation and fitness industry.
We are the most…
Aflex Inflatables are the leaders for obstacle courses, pool toys, waterparks and land-based watersides and fitness runs. They are industry leaders offering the widest range of pool, lake and beach…
ABOUT
Again Faster is a Brisbane based, Australian owned supplier of strength and conditioning and functional fitness equipment. With nearly 10 years experience in the Australian market, we are…
INTRODUCTION
Abel Sports is Australia’s leading manufacturer and suppliers of Goal Posts, sports ground safety netting systems and coaches boxes for Stadiums ,Sports Clubs, Councils and…
We are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…
Switch to smarter fitness management software with Clubworx based in Australia that enables fitness businesses to start or grow their business with ease. - all in one place from anywhere in the…
BODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes.
Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…