Sydney Festival welcomes arts advocate Simon Chan to its Board of Directors

Sydney Festival has appointed Simon Chan to its Board of Directors. As a highly respected architect, gallerist, and champion of multicultural engagement, Chan brings extensive leadership experience across the arts, culture, and community sectors. 

As the Founder and Director of Art Atrium, a contemporary gallery dedicated to cross-cultural collaboration, Chan has long championed Australian, Asian, and Aboriginal artists. He has served on numerous boards and advisory committees, including as Chair of the Art Gallery of NSW’s VisAsia Committee, and Director of the Aboriginal Benefits Foundation. A registered architect with a deep passion for cultural philanthropy, he actively supports artistic exchange and community engagement.  

In addition to serving as President of the Chinese Australian Forum, Chan is also a Member of the Australian Multicultural Council, Board Member of Multicultural NSW Advisory Board and Director of Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation Board. He continues to foster connections across artistic and cultural communities, and his appointment strengthens the Festival’s leadership, following the recent additions of Abs Osseiran, Yeesum Lo, and Dr. Sunil Badami. 

Sydney Festival Chair Kate Dundas welcomed Chan’s appointment noting “the Board looks forward to Simon bringing his unique set of attributes to Sydney Festival deliberations including his deep knowledge of the visual and broader arts sector. Simon’s inclusive leadership skills, extensive experience in community engagement and dedication to championing diverse artistic voices are a terrific fit with the organisation’s strategic direction.” 

Chan enthused “Sydney Festival transforms January into a month of extraordinary performances and cultural celebration. As a passionate advocate for arts and culture, I am excited to contribute to the Festival’s ongoing success. Showcasing visual and performing arts from both Australian and international artists, Sydney Festival presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the diversity of arts and culture in our multicultural society.” 

Chan’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as Sydney Festival approaches its milestone 50th anniversary in 2026.  Under the leadership of its newly appointed Festival Director, Kris Nelson, the Festival is entering an exciting new chapter. With over two decades of experience in festival direction, artist commissioning, and international programming, Nelson is well underway in shaping his creative vision for the 2026 Festival and beyond.

 Simon Chan formally joined the Board on 25th March 2025.