The Sydney Opera House has announced the appointment of experienced and respected performing arts leader Fiona Winning to the new role of Head of Programming.
Working closely with the genre Program Heads, Fiona will lead programming, producing and artistic development for the Opera House’s presenting arm, Sydney Opera House Presents (SOHP), which programs almost 700 performances each year in the areas of Contemporary Music, Contemporary Performance, First Nations, Talks & Ideas, Children, Families & Creative Learning, and Classical Music.
“We are thrilled to welcome someone of Fiona’s standing and experience to the new Head of Programming role,” said Sydney Opera House Executive Director of Performing Arts Kate Dundas. “Fiona is a high-profile leader in the performing arts sector, with an impressive track record in management, producing and artistic excellence.”
“Her appointment to this senior position will ensure the Opera House continues to present ambitious, accessible and relevant programming that is as bold and inspiring as the building itself.”
Fiona has had a diverse career in independent and commercial performing arts across contemporary performance, theatre, dance and festivals. She was Sydney Festival Head of Programming from 2012 to 2017, presenting works by inspirational Australian and international artists in venues across the city.
Previously, Fiona worked as a dramaturg and producer in contemporary arts, curating the Australian Theatre Forum in 2011 and co-convening the Bundanon Trust’s annual Siteworks event in 2010-11.
From 1999 to 2008, Fiona was Director of Performance Space, a national contemporary arts hub based in Sydney. In this role, she collaborated with artists and communities to conceive and produce events in theatres, galleries and public spaces, as well as developing a range of festival, training and residency programs.
She was instrumental in the development of Carriageworks, collaborating with the arts sector, Arts NSW and architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. Fiona is also a lecturer and co-designer of NIDA’s landmark Master of Fine Arts (Cultural Leadership) course.
“I’m excited to take up this position and look forward to working with the incredibly skilled Opera House team to deliver a diverse and inspiring program,” says Fiona. “I especially look forward to collaborating with the vibrant local arts community – alongside Australian and international artists and partners – to engage our audiences with brilliant contemporary ideas and performances.”
For more information, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com for details.
Image: Fiona Winning – photo by Anna Kucera