The Performing Lines Board is delighted to announce the appointment of our next CEO and Executive Producer, Simon Wellington. He will commence the role in June 2024.
Simon joins us from Theatre Royal, Hobart, as CEO, bringing with him a strong background of executive leadership in the arts sector, cultural policy and planning, producing and programming.
Robi Stanton, Chair of Performing Lines said, “After a comprehensive national search process, we are thrilled to have appointed Simon to lead Performing Lines into its next chapter.”
“Simon represents a tremendous cultural fit, with a highly engaged and inclusive leadership style and the skills and experience to build on the strong foundations of Performing Lines last 40 years. Our board was impressed by Simon’s depth of experience nationally and internationally. Performing Lines have developed an exciting and ambitious strategic plan under the leadership of Marion Potts and it’s fantastic to have Simon at the helm for the next phase of our journey.”
Simon has a 28-year career in the arts sector, having worked in Australia, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. Starting in Tasmania at the Salamanca Arts Centre, then at Ten Days on the Island, he was later General Manager of Urban Theatre Projects and Griffin Theatre Company in Sydney. More recently, he worked for Arts Council England, managing its investment in diverse cultural institutions.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the team at Performing Lines, a company that I have had a close relationship with and deep respect for throughout my career,” said Simon.
“Performing Lines has consistently championed and collaborated with Australia’s most visionary artists, connecting them with audiences around the country and the world. It’s a company that understands how artists drive important conversations and creative discovery, and will do its utmost to help them thrive and navigate the many challenges our sector and society faces.”
General Manager, Megan Roberts said, “Marion leaves Performing Lines in a strong position, with a clear vision for the future and a highly skilled and passionate team. We look forward to building on this with Simon under his leadership.”
In 2023 Performing Lines produced premiere seasons of 8 new Australian works, produced 19 creative developments, delivered 12 national tours/presentations, 1 international tour, and ten sector development or capacity building programs and provided employment for 248 artists and 114 arts-workers across the country.
