Creative Australia appoints new Executive Director, Development and Partnerships

Creative Australia has welcomed Leisa Bacon to the role of its new Executive Director, Development and Partnerships, effective February 2025.

Bacon brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience in major organisations, including government and large commercial businesses, specialising in audience engagement, strategic marketing, cultural development and leadership in industry collaborations and partnerships.   

Bacon shared “I am looking forward to working with Adrian and the incredible team at Creative Australia to ensure the future growth and sustainability of Australia’s vibrant arts and cultural sector. This is an area I am deeply passionate about and which requires new thinking to build pathways, partnerships and investment strategies for Australian artists, as well as new ways to connect with audiences. I can’t wait to get started.”

Bacon’s appointment follows a distinguished career, including senior executive roles at the ABC for 10 years, where she led marketing and strategic audience engagement as the Audiences Director. Prior to the ABC, she held senior roles spanning consumer products, health sectors and the arts, including the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Creative Australia Chief Executive Adrian Collette enthused “we are excited to welcome Leisa to Creative Australia and the Executive team. Leisa has a proven track record in developing innovative programs that enhance public value and foster industry growth. Her experience in building transformative partnerships will be invaluable as we work to bring together public, private and philanthropic investment to strengthen Australian arts and creativity.”

In addition to cultivating new partnerships and collaborations, Bacon will oversee Creative Australia’s research, evaluation and impact measurement work as well as strategic industry development initiatives. The role is focused on advancing the priorities of Creative Australia, by informing investment and development models and optimising advocacy activities, building long-term sustainability and public value for Australian arts and creativity.  

Creative Australia thanked outgoing Executive Director, Development and Partnerships, Dr Georgie McClean who, in more than three years in the role, “has developed and led our partnerships with purpose agenda, helmed our excellent research and industry development work and has been instrumental in the organisation’s transition to Creative Australia.”  

Image. Leisa Bacon. Credit Creative Australia