QPAC

A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to keep QPAC, one of Australia’s largest performing arts centres, running and presenting more than 800 performances a year.

We recognise our entire staff for making QPAC what it is, but today on International Women's Day, we wanted to especially shine the spotlight on some of our women leaders.

Four of our women directors and executive directors, responsible for various sides of our business, took the time to chat with us: 

Director of Programming Georgia Hendy gives us insight into her very broad and busy role.

“There are always multiple shows on the boil in various stages of development, delivery and creation. The excitement and also the challenge of my role is staying across the breath of work and finding the right balance for audiences. This is where a fabulous team is essential.”

Her love of working in the arts is evident:

“This industry is varied, dynamic and collaborative. One minute you’re working in a budget and the next you’re in a rehearsal room. Each day is different. The skills you draw on to make shows and programs are so varied; it’s administration and finance, but it’s also practical, creative and collaborative.”

Georgia says she is most excited by connecting great art with audiences and creating unforgettable experiences.

“I think we all have a moment when seeing a show has changed us; caused us to see the world and the people in it differently and to understand ourselves better. That’s the goal. A great show can be transformative.”

Executive Director Marketing and Ticketing Roxanne Hopkins says the best part of her role, is also the most challenging....

“With all of the economic and competing life pressures at the moment, our challenge as arts marketers is how to ensure the performing arts remain relevant to our audiences.

“I love that my job is a balance of art and science - it really is the essence of marketing; delving into the data to ensure our patron communication is creative, targeted and effective no matter who you are and what your interests are.

“I lead an incredibly talented and passionate team across multiple disciplines of marketing, digital marketing, communications and ticketing. We work hard to understand our customers and deliver the best products and services we can using the latest technology available to us,” she says.

“Most of what we do as a team is connecting people with the artforms that they already love, but there’s something quite special about being able to encourage people to experience an artform or artist new to them and bringing joy and connection in the process.” 

Director Public Engagement Rebecca Lamoin explains her role is also about connecting ideas, people and concepts that artists are exploring, with the contemporary, everyday lives of our audiences.  

“Sometimes timelines are a challenge. It takes time to create a new live performance work and often our national conversation can move at a much faster pace (although sometimes not!).

“Of course, some conversations have longevity and are captivating for centuries experiencing peaks in relevance at various times. For example, we’re currently working with contemporary dance company Dancenorth Australia on their wonderful work RED and are focused on their big concepts of contracting biodiversity, literally the challenge for human survival.”

Rebecca relishes working in the arts as an opportunity to be part of positive change.

“Culture is a real driver of social change, it precedes policy and legislation, all great movements begin with cultural shift. Art has a critical role to play in shaping our values, beliefs and interests. It’s a place for visionaries and pragmatists. What a sea to swim in!”

As Executive Director – Philanthropy and Partnerships, Zoë Connolly says the most rewarding part of her role is bringing people on the journey year on year, and seeing the joy in them when an artform ultimately connects.

“I love working in the arts because it informs and enriches my life in so many ways.

“My hope for the future is to make every Queenslander proud of QPAC and all it does and is for us,” she says.

Our four leaders leave us with tips for women to progress their careers:

“Do the hard work. Take snippets from all the leaders you admire. Be comfortable with juggling. Make your health and well-being a priority. Build a team of supporters.” Georgia Hendy

“Be authentic and adaptable to change.”  Roxanne Hopkins

“Listen to as many voices as you can. Go to everything, even things you think you won’t like. Find your own True North.” Rebecca Lamoin

“Find authentic mentors, work hard, stay passionate!” Zoë Connolly