QPAC announces new Chief Executive

Rachel Healy has been announced as the next Chief Executive of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), taking over from John Kotzas AM in December. Healy, a prominent figure in the Australian arts scene, will lead QPAC into its 40th anniversary year in 2025.

Healy’s extensive experience spans over 20 years in various roles across art forms, venues, festivals, and arts administration. She has served on more than 30 arts boards and advisory bodies, bringing a wealth of knowledge and passion to her new role.

Chair of the Queensland Performing Arts Trust, Professor Peter Coaldrake AO, expressed confidence in Healy’s appointment. “Rachel’s appointment was a unanimous decision by our Board following an extensive national and international recruitment process,” Coaldrake said. “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.”

Healy has held executive positions at Belvoir St Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Adelaide Festival, Vivid Festival, and served as Executive Manager Culture for the City of Sydney. Coaldrake highlighted the importance of finding a leader who could balance commercial success with community engagement, qualities they found in Healy.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch welcomed Healy’s appointment, noting the significant legacy of outgoing Chief Executive John Kotzas. “With QPAC on the threshold of its 40th year and the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympics on the horizon, Rachel will be taking on this important cultural leadership role at a critical time,” Enoch said. “Rachel’s reputation for artistic and executive leadership will bolster QPAC’s commitment to supporting and developing our local arts sectors.”

Healy expressed her excitement about joining QPAC, citing its commitment to the Reconciliation Action Plan, the completion of a new theatre, and the venue’s central position in the South Bank Cultural Precinct. “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,” she said.

Outgoing Chief Executive John Kotzas will continue to lead QPAC until his contract ends on December 10, 2024. Healy will begin her five-year term on December 11, 2024.