The creative inspiration behind world-class performances, from the Sydney Opera House to Arts Centre Melbourne, is the new Artistic Director for the Brisbane Festival.
Brisbane Festival Chair Anna Reynolds said Ebony Bott would usher in a new chapter for one of Australia’s most ambitious and culturally resonant festivals.
“A nationally respected creative leader, Bott brings to the role a rare combination of artistic audacity and strategic precision,” Ms Reynolds said.
“With a career spanning two decades across the country’s major cultural institutions, including the Sydney Opera House, Adelaide Festival Centre, and Arts Centre Melbourne, she has earned a reputation for programming that is both emotionally intelligent and commercially astute.”
She said in her current role as Head of Contemporary Performance at the Sydney Opera House, Ms Bott had led a portfolio defined by “bold reimaginings, genre-fluid storytelling” and wide public appeal.
“Ebony has a rare ability to think expansively while listening deeply. Her work is grounded, generous and unafraid to ask big questions.
“She understands the moment Brisbane is in – a city on the cusp of positioning itself on the global stage – and brings both the boldness and the rigour to shape a festival that speaks to this.”
Brisbane Festival CEO Charlie Cush said Ms Bott, who will commence in mid-September, working alongside the festival’s current leadership to deliver a seamless transition into the 2026 program, had the track record, networks and creative leadership to drive Brisbane Festival’s next evolution.
“Her combination of artistic integrity and commercial acumen is second to none, and her work is consistently audience-driven without compromising ambition,” Mr Cush said.
He said as Brisbane prepared for the global visibility that came with hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ms Bott’s appointment signalled a timely alignment between artistic confidence and civic opportunity.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Ms Bott’s appointment opened an exciting new chapter with her vision set to elevate the Festival and Brisbane’s global reputation as “Australia’s lifestyle capital”.
“Brisbane Festival lights up our suburbs each year with vibrant colour, creativity and community spirit. It’s one of the biggest events on our calendar supporting hundreds of local artists and businesses.”
