Brisbane Powerhouse has announced celebrated arts and cultural leader Kate Gould as the organisation’s incoming CEO / Artistic Director.
Gould is one of Australia’s leading cultural entrepreneurs and strategic advisor to numerous major events and organisations including Dark Mofo, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Aboriginal Art and Cultures Centre (SA), Monash University and Australian Dance Theatre. She is the former CEO and Associate Artistic Director of the iconic Adelaide Festival.
The appointment marks a homecoming for proud Queenslander Gould, who studied at the University of Queensland and commenced her career at Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Brisbane Festival.
Her career highlights include co-founding Mona’s annual winter arts festival Dark Mofo, and championing the inaugural Crows AFL Women’s team while a director of the Adelaide Football Club. As Principal of Kate Gould Consulting, she worked with clients over eight years to secure more than $200 million in cultural funding.
Gould is also an experienced and qualified company director and has served on six boards including as Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s current Chair, TarraWarra Museum of Art and South Australia’s Premier’s Council for Women.
Brisbane Powerhouse Board Chair Valmay Hill said the coveted newly combined position of CEO/Artistic Director attracted widespread national and international interest.
“This is undoubtedly the organisation’s biggest role yet and one that commands the ultimate balancing act of achieving both great artistic outcomes and commercial success,” said Hill.
“Kate is an exceptional talent whose skills, experience and networks will help realise the significant potential of Brisbane Powerhouse.”
“She’s a visionary in the truest sense of the word – adept at identifying opportunities and making them happen – and primed to lead the exciting next phase of artistic, commercial and precinct development at Brisbane Powerhouse,” said Hill.
Gould said she was thrilled to return to her hometown, inspired by the boundless opportunities and the Board’s vision for the premier arts and cultural venue.
“After 17 years away I’m excited to become reacquainted with the open warmth of Brisbane and I look forward to reconnecting with artists and audiences across the city,” said Gould.
“My vision for Brisbane Powerhouse is to cement its position as a force for contemporary art in Australia and for it to become a ‘must see’ destination for locals and visitors alike.”
“While I pride myself on being able to balance the commercial and strategic side of an organisation with its creative and innovative agenda, Brisbane Powerhouse must be arts-led.”
“For 21 years Brisbane Powerhouse has produced and presented great art and I feel privileged and excited to continue that legacy,” said Gould.
Gould will commence as CEO/Artistic Director of Brisbane Powerhouse on Monday 5 July 2021. For more information, visit: www.brisbanepowerhouse.org for details.
Image: Kate Gould (supplied)