After more than 7 years as the Artistic Director/CEO of The Substation, Brad Spolding is taking up the role of Arts Program Director at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Brad will be working with recently appointed Brisbane Powerhouse Artistic Director/CEO Kate Gould, most recently the Executive Director at Dark Mofo.
Brisbane Powerhouse CEO/Artistic Director Kate Gouldsaid Spolding’s appointment would “inject a further energy into Brisbane Powerhouse’s programs”. “As Artistic Director and CEO of Melbourne’s infamous Substation for seven years, Brad will feel right at home at Brisbane Powerhouse,” She said.
“The Substation shares many parallels to Brisbane Powerhouse in its celebration of artists and ideas and its reclamation of a former industrial building as a leading destination for contemporary arts.”
“Brad has a deep knowledge of the contemporary arts across all its forms and will prove an asset to both Brisbane Powerhouse and the wider Queensland arts community,” said Ms Gould.
Appointed to The Substation’s top job in 2015, Spolding is widely recognised for transforming the multi-arts venue’s program, organisation and reputation.
His successes include building an international reputation for world-leading contemporary arts programming and producing, championing diversity in the widest sense, and providing pathways for homegrown artists and arts practitioners to thrive on the global stage.
“Brad’s vision, passion and drive has built upon the foundations of a remarkable venue and built an organisation that is a destination for contemporary arts with an international reputation,” wrote James Lockyer, Chair of The Substation.
“His artistic direction has delivered bold programs which champion diversity in the widest sense, with significant social and cultural impact to local and regional audiences. In doing so, he has provided the platform for many artists and arts practitioners to thrive – both locally and farther afield.
“Brad’s leadership has carried the organisation through the most challenging of times for the arts sector and leaves The Substation in a great position to help support the recovery of the local and creative economies.”
“I thank Brad for his immense contribution to The Substation and the Hobsons Bay community and wish him every success in his new role,” said Mr Lockyer.
“I am deeply grateful for the incredible artists, curators, staff and board who have tirelessly worked towards the vision of a multi-artform contemporary art space in the western region of Melbourne over many years,” said Brad. “I want to sincerely thank the funders, donors and foundations who backed this vision and made it all possible.”
“I am particularly proud of the works we commissioned and the artist-led platform we created for local, national and international artists. We have seen almost half a million people attend our program over the last 7 years and I’ve had the profound pleasure of being in the space with them, experiencing amazing works by so many inspiring artists.”
“As I embark on a new role at one of Australia’s most iconic venues, The Brisbane Powerhouse, I look forward to seeing the next chapter emerge for the grand and intimate building that is The Substation.”
“I’m hopeful that my experience and connections will support Brisbane Powerhouse’s ambition to create compelling new work for audiences and a destination to experience world-class contemporary arts and culture,” said Brad.
Brad will commence as Brisbane Powerhouse’s Arts Program Director on 19 April 2022. The Substation will begin the recruitment process for a new Artistic Director/CEO in the coming weeks. For more information, visit: www.thesubstation.org.au for detals.
Image: Brad Spolding (supplied)