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The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has announced that Rachel Healy has been appointed as its new Chief Executive. Unanimously chosen by QPAC’s Board, Healy will take over from John Kotzas, whose term will end in December after 15 years in the position.

Widely acknowledged as one of Australia’s leading arts professionals, Healy will take on the role in just in time to usher in QPAC’s 40th anniversary year in 2025.

With more than 20 years professional experience across multiple artforms, venues, festivals and arts administration, and having served on more than 30 arts boards and government and industry advisory bodies, Healy brings wide-ranging knowledge and expertise along with a passion for the arts to the role.

Announcing the appointment, Chair of the Queensland Performing Arts Trust, Professor Peter Coaldrake said Healy had the ideal blend of artistic leadership and arts management to drive QPAC forward, commenting “I am pleased to say that Rachel’s appointment was a unanimous decision by our Board following an extensive national and international recruitment process led by respected human resources agency Russell Reynolds.

“Perhaps best known for her role as Joint Artistic Director Adelaide Festival (with Neil Armfield) from 2015 - 2022, Rachel’s tenure in this high-profile cultural leadership position delivered remarkable critical acclaim, growth both in box office numbers and artistic accomplishment for the festival.

“Rachel has held executive leadership positions at Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Adelaide Festival, Vivid Festival and was the Executive Manager Culture for the City of Sydney.

“We were looking for someone to continue QPAC’s resolve of being as commercially successful as it is dedicated to engaging audiences and the community.

“The successful candidate needed to bring both business and creative nous, and to be a purpose-driven leader with an understanding of the important role the arts play in our wider Queensland community.”

Looking forward to her new role, Healy stated “I could not be more delighted about the prospect of a move to Brisbane and the opportunity to serve the wider Queensland and visitor community at QPAC.

“The sheer number of extraordinary artists and cultural leaders Queensland produces is remarkable and it feels that the city’s ambition, civic pride and sense of purpose has accelerated.”

Under Healy’s co-direction, the Adelaide Festival drew the highest box office in its history, multiplied its private donations by 40, and increased its audience attendance by 54%.

She has served on more than 30 arts boards and government/industry advisory bodies including the Sydney Opera House Trust, Live Performance Australia and the Australia Council’s Major Performing Arts Board. Rachel served as Chair of the Australian Government’s Creative Economy Taskforce in 2021-22 and is currently Joint Chair of Adelaide University’s Creativity and Culture Industry Advisory Board, Chair of Carclew (SA), and non-executive director of Performing Arts Connections Australia.

She currently works as a cultural industries contractor and consultant and is Curator of Ideas and Special Events for the 2024 Vivid Sydney Festival.

Images: Newly appointed QPAC Chief Executive Rachel Healy (top) and Healy with current QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas who will step down in December (below). Credit: Lyndon Mechielsen.

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