Who is Kate Gould?
Kate Gould is the CEO/Artistic Director of the Brisbane Powerhouse. She is the former CEO/Associate Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival and Executive Director of Dark Mofo.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I wasn’t working at Brisbane Powerhouse, I’d be seeking my next entrepreneurial adventure. Recently I founded a couple of digital start-ups as side projects. With so many global challenges to confront and overcome, I know I would quickly become immersed in other worlds once my professional arts life is over. I’d never stop going to shows though.
Who inspires you and why?
The audience. I’ve been a theatre and event producer for thirty years and still enjoy the thrill of a full house attending a live performance. I’m inspired to reach higher when I feel and hear an audience’s response to a performance or visual art work.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would legislate for Australia to be the first zero landfill country by 2030. In our own small way, Brisbane Powerhouse’s Night Feast event has a commitment to zero landfill. A month-long event staged twice a year, we hand-sort rubbish onsite from our 125,000 visitors. Diverted rubbish is recycled or composted and thousands of reusable glasses are hand-washed. Managing this program is expensive but as a first world country we must sustainability manage the waste from major events.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Berlin is my favourite get away. Its diverse community of musicians and artists centres Berlin at the cutting edge of international art-making.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I take visitors to Brisbane Powerhouse, and not just because I work here. A former power station turned contemporary arts centre, Brisbane Powerhouse is an extraordinary asset to the city. Even if you don’t want to see a performance or exhibition at the Powerhouse, a drink at Bar Alto overlooking the beautiful Brisbane (Maiwar) River is quintessentially Brisbane.
What are you currently reading?
Comedian Rhys Nicholson’s book Dish. Rhys is presenting a terrific show at Brisbane Powerhouse as part of Melt Festival – where he’ll also talk about this new book. Rhys is a complicated overthinker with an anxiety disorder and a passion for cooking. Funny, revealing, and with the occasional emotional outburst, I’m enjoying it.
What are you currently listening to?
UK dance artist Aluna, previously half of AlunaGeorge, and her latest solo release album MYCELiUM that’s going off on dance floors around the world. We’re bringing Aluna to Brisbane Powerhouse in November as part of Melt Festival of Queer Arts.
Happiness is?
Swimming in the ocean.
What does the future hold for you?
The future is now. Tomorrow doesn’t exist.
Kate is the CEO/Artistic Director of the Brisbane Powerhouse – who will be presenting the Melt Festival of Queer Arts from 11 – 26 November 2023. For more information, visit: www.brisbanepowerhouse.org for details.
Image: Kate Gould – courtesy of Brisbane Powerhouse