On the move: latest arts sector appointments
28 Oct 2025 10:00
Tasmania’s Festival of Voices has appointed Shaun Rennie as its new Artistic Director, with Chair Tim Munro saying Rennie brought a wealth of experience in vocal-led productions to the role.
‘Shaun is a multi award-winning director and arts leader whose work spans opera, theatre, musical theatre and large-scale live events,’ Munro said.
‘With a foundation as a performer, his career has evolved into one of Australia’s most dynamic cross-genre directors. He is known for his empathy-driven leadership, bold programming and deep belief in the power of song to connect, inspire and uplift audiences.’
Rennie has previously served as Associate Director at Opera Australia, where he played ‘a pivotal role during a period of transition. He’s led diverse creative teams, collaborated with world-class singers and choruses, and delivered programming that combines artistic excellence with broad accessibility,’ Munro continued.
‘His national leadership experience is complemented by his governance role as a board member of Hayes Theatre Co, as well as his decade-long creation and direction of Light the Night, an annual benefit for Leukaemia research.’
Rennie’s recent career highlights include directing critically acclaimed productions such as RENT (2025) at Sydney Opera House, Gianni Schicchi (2024), and Guys and Dolls on Sydney Harbour (2025), as well as creating Opera Up Late, an initiative that engages new audiences with opera.
‘[Shaun] is deeply committed to the voice as a tool for connection and celebration and is passionate about building cultural experiences that resonate across Australia and beyond,’ Munro added.
Chief Executive Nadine Rowell told ArtsHub: ‘We’re delighted to welcome Shaun Rennie as our new Artistic Director. His passion and creative energy will help shape an exciting chapter for Festival of Voices. We’re looking forward to working together to continue inspiring singing across Tasmania.’
Rennie said it was an extraordinary honour to be appointed the next Artistic Director of Festival of Voices.
‘The Festival of Voices unites world-class artists and local voices, celebrates the beauty and creativity of the island and reminds us of the power of the human voice to connect us,’ he said.
‘I’m honoured to help lead the festival alongside its incredible team, into its next chapter as the singing heart of winter in Australia.’
In its 21st year, the 2026 Festival of Voices will run from 3-12 July, with major workshops, choir registrations and a new regional tour experience going on sale on Friday 14 November 2025. The full Festival program launches on Friday 20 March 2026. Festival of Voices takes place each winter on palawa and pakana land in lutruwita/Tasmania.
PAC Australia appoints new Board members
PAC Australia, the nation’s peak body for performing arts presenting, has announced the appointment of two new Board Members: Georgia Hendy, Chief Executive Officer at the AANt Centre, Darwin (formerly known as Darwin Entertainment Centre), and Heidi Irvine, Head of Audience and Arts Development at Frankston Arts Centre.
Between them, Hendy and Irvine bring a wealth of knowledge and experience across the performing arts industry to the Board. They join re-elected Board members Criena Gehrke (Chair), Candice Sheldon (Secretary), John Glenn (Treasurer), Peter Ross (Vice President), Drew Dymond, Ping Flynn, Ian English, Louisa Norman and Harley Mann.
PAC Australia Chair, Criena Gehrke, said: ‘It is an exciting time for PAC Australia, with the recent sold out APAX, APAM on the horizon and the expansion of our training and development programs. There are a range of critical issues facing our members and the sector at large, where PAC Australia are also bringing our advocacy work to bear – Heidi Irvine and Georgia Hendy are exceptional leaders within the presenting ecology and their perspectives, experience and insights will be invaluable as we continue this important work.’
As well as welcoming the new Board appointees, PAC Australia thanked outgoing Board members Shayne Price and Simon Hinton, who have retired having completed their full terms.
In related news, PAC Australia recently announced that the next iteration of the Australian Performing Arts Exchange (APAX) would take place in Meanjin/Brisbane from 7-11 September 2026, at Brisbane Powerhouse and Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
JamFactory appoints new Curatorial Director
Adelaide’s JamFactory has appointed Dr Lee-Ann Hall as its new Curatorial Director.
Hall is a respected leader who has worked for more than three decades in the arts and tertiary education sectors. She has spent the past five years as director of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery – home to the National Art Glass Gallery, where she instigated innovative and successful new approaches to exhibition programming, audience engagement and local artist development.
Prior to this Hall was director of the Penrith Regional Gallery, Western Sydney’s premier public art gallery, where she oversaw several award-winning projects and grew the annual audience from 38,000 to over 100,000 over six years.
Hall is also an accomplished academic with a PhD from the Australian National University, Centre for Cross Cultural Research, and has lectured in museum and heritage studies at the University of Sydney, and in art management at the University of Technology, Sydney.
‘Lee-Ann’s deep experience and fresh perspectives will be an extraordinary addition to our executive team and will no doubt be transformational for JamFactory as we look to revitalise our approach to programming over the next few years,’ said JamFactory’s CEO Brian Parks.
As Curatorial Director, Hall will provide strategic vision and leadership for JamFactory‘s exhibition program, including associated public programs, exhibition, tours and publications. She will manage a small dedicated team and work collaboratively across the organisation and the sector more broadly to deliver programs that reflect JamFactory’s unique attributes and position.
In the role, Hall will also have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to discourse and the development of practice within the national craft and design landscape.
Hall commences at JamFactory in mid-January.
NICA appoints new Head of Circus Studies
The National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) has appointed Juliana Neves as its new Head of Circus Studies.
Neves is a Brazilian-born dancer, aerial acrobat, choreographer and educator with a 30-year international career. She made history in 1998 as the first São Paulo artist to join Cirque du Soleil, performing as a soloist in Dralion and representing the company globally. With a world-standard and student-focused approach, Neves’ arrival marks the start of a new chapter for NICA.
Read: Circus Centre Melbourne opens its doors
‘I’m committed to advancing the Institute’s legacy as a world-class centre for contemporary circus education, by fostering greater excellence in technique, creativity, and professional development,’ Neves said.