Qld arts scene rocked by Brisbane Festival director Louise Bezzina’s shock departure
Queensland’s arts and cultural scene has been hit by a curveball following the unexpected departure of director Louise Bezzina from Brisbane Festival.
QLD News
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The Queensland arts and cultural scene has been rocked by the unexpected departure of Louise Bezzina from the Brisbane Festival.
Ms Bezzina, who joined the annual September festival as artistic director in 2019, announced on Thursday that the 2025 season would be her last.
From next year, she will be chief executive and artistic director of Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm.
It is unknown who will replace Ms Bezzina at Brisbane Festival, which delivers more than $53m in economic impact to the city.
In an email to The Courier-Mail, Ms Bezzina said: “As I enter my seventh year with Brisbane Festival, I look back on an extraordinary chapter – one filled with bold ambition, creative risk-taking, and a deep love for this festival that will stay with me always.
“It has been an immense honour to co-lead this phenomenal organisation alongside my dear friend Charlie Cush, supported by an exceptional board led by chair Anna Reynolds and deputy chair Philip Bacon.
“Together, with a team of super humans, we’ve dared to dream big – and made the impossible possible.
“I am so proud of what we’ve achieved: exponential growth, a deepened connection with our audiences, and a redefinition of what it means to be boldly Brisbane.”
It was only in February this year, in an interview with the Sunday Mail, that Ms Bezzina, a single mother of two, said she loved her role at the festival.
“I’m not what you would think on paper would make an artistic director – I’m not – but then I’ve worked hard and am committed and passionate, I feel it’s my role,” she said at the time.
“This was always my dream job, which is why it’s hard to think beyond it.
”I’m not doing this to audition for something else … but I can’t be here forever, and it’s not right to be here forever; there has to be an injection of new ideas.”
On Thursday, Minister for Arts John-Paul Langbroek said Ms Bezzina’s new role at Brisbane Powerhouse reaffirmed her commitment to the arts, while also prioritising the best interests of her family.
“Since taking the reins of Brisbane Festival, Louise has led a period of remarkable growth,” Mr Langbroek said.
“Her leadership has delivered bold and inclusive programming, enriching Queensland’s arts landscape and engaging new audiences over the past six years.”
Brisbane Festival CEO Charlie Cush said Ms Bezzina’s legacy was not just in the programs she has delivered but in the values she’s instilled.
“We’re incredibly grateful for her leadership, and excited to see her continue shaping Brisbane’s cultural landscape in this next chapter,” Mr Cush said.
The Brisbane Festival runs September 5-27. The full 2025 program will be announced on June 11.
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