Brisbane Powerhouse boss Kate Gould bound for South Australia
After four dynamic, productive years at the helm, Brisbane Powerhouse boss Kate Gould is returning to South Australia in June to take the reins of the Adelaide Festival Centre.
Brisbane Powerhouse today announced the departure of its CEO and artistic director Kate Gould, who has been appointed CEO and artistic director at the Adelaide Festival Centre.
Gould will move to Adelaide in June after four years transforming Brisbane Powerhouse into one of Australia’s major contemporary arts and entertainment venues and precinct. Gould is a former chief executive of the Adelaide Festival (2002-2012) and former chair of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
Brisbane Powerhouse chair Valmay Hill acknowledged Gould’s outstanding contributions: “On behalf of the board, I congratulate Kate on the incredible impact she has made at Brisbane Powerhouse — both artistically and in reshaping the organisation. Under her leadership, she has secured significant funding to launch new festivals and events that have enriched Brisbane’s cultural landscape.
“She has introduced innovative year-round ventures, including Vertigo — Australia’s first vertical restaurant suspended 17m above ground; Pleasuredome — a semi-permanent handcrafted sailcloth venue; Powerhouse Store — a maker-led retail space showcasing artisanal creations; and Dendy Powerhouse Outdoor Cinema — offering quality outdoor film experiences with hi-fi headsets.”
Reflecting on her tenure, Gould says “it has been a privilege to lead Brisbane Powerhouse during this exciting period of growth”.
“I am grateful to Brisbane City Council, the board and our exceptional team and partners, who have fearlessly embraced bold ideas and helped bring to life new festivals and events unlike anything the city has seen before,” she says.
“Among many highlights, 5500 naked bodies on the Story Bridge for Spencer Tunick’s installation at the inaugural citywide Melt festival 2024 was unforgettable. I will miss the sparkling river city.”
‘I thank Kate for delivering on her dynamic vision for Brisbane Powerhouse, elevating it with landmark events’
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner praised Gould’s leadership: “I thank Kate for delivering on her dynamic vision for Brisbane Powerhouse, elevating it with landmark annual events and creating more to see and do for residents and visitors, including Night Feast — a festival of feasting and art that attracts 160,000 people; the reimagined Melt festival and introduction of the OHM festival.
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“Brisbane Powerhouse is a vibrant precinct that now welcomes one million visitors and stages 1500 performances annually, generating a significant cultural and economic impact for our city.
“Kate has been an outstanding leader in Queensland’s arts sector, propelling Brisbane Powerhouse to the forefront of Australia’s cultural scene. On behalf of Brisbane City Council, I thank her for her deep commitment to enriching Brisbane’s cultural life with exceptional artistic programming and for creating festivals that inspire and connect our community.”