Creative Australia CEO reappointed

The Albanese Labor Government welcomes the reappointment of Mr Adrian Collette AM for a second five-year term as Chief Executive Officer of Creative Australia.

Mr Collette has held the position of Chief Executive Officer of Creative Australia (formerly the Australia Council) since 2019, exhibiting outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to the arts sector.

Mr Collette played a pivotal role in the development and delivery of key outcomes in Revive, Australia’s new National Cultural Policy.

Mr Collette’s extensive industry experience will assist Creative Australia as it continues to develop and deliver ongoing support and change to the sector, including the establishment of a First Nations body and Writers Australia within the organisation.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said Mr Collette’s experience and leadership would ensure the continued success of Creative Australia.

“The establishment of Creative Australia is the biggest transformation of Australia’s principal arts investment and advisory body since Gough Whitlam was Prime Minister.

“That was possible thanks to the leadership of Adrian Colette.

“That leadership will be critical to the future of Creative Australia and the arts in this country.”

Mr Collette’s reappointment will commence on 21 January 2024.

The Government has invested an additional $199 million over four years to support Creative Australia, an enhanced principal arts investment and advisory body.

Mr Adrian Collette AM has extensive experience in the arts and culture sector. Prior to his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of Creative Australia, Mr Collette served as a member of the Australia Council Board between July 2013 and December 2018 and chaired the Major Performing Arts Panel. He held the position of Chief Executive of Opera Australia for 16 years, and has also worked in book publishing for a decade – including as Managing Director, Reed Books. Mr Collette was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2008 for service to the performing arts, particularly through executive roles with Opera Australia, as a mentor to young artists, publishing, and to the community.