Kieran swanning back to take Metro Arts CEO role

Metro Arts CEO Kieran Swann. | Newsreel
New Metro Arts CEO Kieran Swann. | Photo: Jimmy Lee (Metro Arts)

Metro Arts has a new Chief Executive Officer, with former Program Manager Kieran Swann returning to take the reins.

Board Chairperson Tara Hastings said Mr Swann would relocate from London and take up the role at the Brisbane experimental and contemporary arts organisation in mid-August.

Ms Hastings said since leaving the West End-based team in 2016, Mr Swann had established a distinguished career spanning Australia and the UK, including Senior Curator at Create London, Head of Programme at Arnolfini, Head of Live Programme at Wellcome Collection, and Program Producer at Theatre Network Australia.

She said he was a natural collaborator with nearly two decades dedicated to fostering experimental and contemporary arts practices, and supporting independent and emerging artists.

“His commitment to experimental and contemporary arts, coupled with his dedication to independent and emerging artists aligns perfectly with our core mission.

“His vision for collaboration, pursuit of new opportunities, and experience in both the Australian and international sectors will undoubtedly propel us to the next level.”

Mr Swann said his appointment was a deeply personal and exciting return to the organisation.

“Metro Arts has shaped not only my career but my relationship with art itself, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to pay that forward as we nurture the next generation of artists and audiences.”