Revealed: New board chair Jackie Trad on how HOTA can be Coast’s star tourism attraction

New chair Jackie Trad’s shock prediction for HOTA’s future as the arts and cultural precinct beats the Covid blues.

New arts boss Jackie Trad predicts HOTA will “break even” this financial year as it finally sheds the Covid-19 blues.

The former Deputy Premier told the Bulletin the arts precinct would be making a future pitch to interstate families while on their midwinter Gold Coast holiday.

Mayor Tom Tate last week announced Jackie Trad as the new chair of the HOTA board. Picture: Richard Gosling

Ms Trad revealed the council had approached her about a board position as she visited the gallery to see Lyrical Landscapes, a major exhibition celebrating artist William Robinson.

“I was bowled over,” the new chair said. “It was so beautiful. It was in that period between Covid lockdowns. Council reached out and I thought I’d love to be part of this.”

Since her appointment to the board last December and promotion to chair, Ms Trad has watched the negative effects of Covid restrictions and an ongoing debate about transparency and costs.

At least $29m will be needed for renovations of the cinemas and main stage, and $295m if the ageing arts centre is demolished. The $39m asset is making half of its expected profits.

Ms Trad acknowledged there was a tricky balance between the precinct making money and providing opportunities for young artists.

“We are predicted to break even at the end of the (this) financial year,” she said.

“So I think previously what had been out there in terms of the public was the mid-year (review) – and it has been affected by Covid.

“Touch wood post-COVID and with the success of programs like Bricktionary – there have been huge attendances at HOTA – then we are expected to break even.”

Ms Trad cautioned that the arts were never completely 100 per cent self-sustaining.

“There is some sort of subsidy, some sort of government assistance,” she said.

“I think it’s absolutely about diversity, but also making sure we are getting the balance between what is good commercially, making sure we at least break even where we can, where our program isn’t interrupted. But also providing that subsidy and support for those less-known artists, particularly local artists, to showcase.”

Ms Trad said she did not believe there was another local government in Australia with the same level of investment in the arts and culture.

“I am deeply admiring of that fact.”

Jackie Trad talking to the Bulletin about HOTA’s future. Picture: Richard Gosling

She backed senior HOTA managers and staff when asked about whether an outside consultancy be given more control of the programming.

“I do think there’s a level of accountability that is present when the council, which represents the ratepayers of the Gold Coast, have a significant say in HOTA. So I do think it’s important that that relationship continues.”

Ms Trad said future decisions would be made about ageing infrastructure, but the legacy master plan allowed for transparency and consultation from the community.

“It’s totally up to the council. They are making the lion’s share investment here, in terms of the precinct,” she said.

“It’s absolutely a proposition that has to be tested in terms of what is the best for ratepayers. That’s always a consideration when you are looking at refurbishing a building or demolition and reconstruction.”

Ms Trad believes the precinct can attract more than locals or day-trippers from Brisbane and northern NSW.

“I think one of the opportunities that we have is being aware of all the families that take a midwinter break from down south. They come up for the amazing sunshine, the amazing weather and also the theme parks. We want HOTA to be included in their itinerary for school holidays,” she said.