Brisbane poaches arts visionary to shape festival’s future
By Nick Dent
Brisbane Festival has appointed Ebony Bott as its new artistic director, replacing the outgoing Louise Bezzina.
Bott has worked for two decades at major cultural institutions including Adelaide Festival Centre and Arts Centre Melbourne, and comes to the Brisbane Festival from her current role as head of contemporary performance at the Sydney Opera House.
There she programmed major productions including Amadeus starring Michael Sheen, hip-hop dance phenomenon Message in a Bottle, set to the music of Sting, and the Netflix-filmed world premiere of Hannah Gadsby’s Body of Work.
Ebony Bott has been appointed artistic director of Brisbane Festival, commencing in mid-September.Credit: Craig Ilott
The sixth artistic director in the festival’s history, Bott said she was drawn to the “civic ritual” of Brisbane Festival.
“It has a pulse that’s distinctly local, and a platform that resonates far beyond.
“For me, the most powerful festivals grow from the identity of their city, not simply land upon it.”
Brisbane Festival chair Anna Reynolds said Bott was unafraid to ask big questions.
“She understands the moment Brisbane is in – a city on the cusp of positioning itself on the global stage – and brings both the boldness and the rigour to shape a festival that speaks to this.”
Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek thanked Bezzina for her contribution and welcomed Bott’s appointment.
“I’m confident Ebony’s reputation for innovation and artistic collaborations will take Brisbane Festival to the next level, allowing it to reach new and global audiences,” he said.
While Bott will begin in mid-September, Bezzina will leave in October to take up her new role as chief executive/artistic director of Brisbane Powerhouse.
Brisbane Festival 2025 runs from September 5-27.
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