Kotzas heads to the coast
Former QPAC boss John Kotzas has cut short his retirement to take the lead in the world of arts and culture on the Gold Coast.
That was a short retirement. Former QPAC chief executive and Brisbane identity John Kotzas has been announced as the new head of arts and culture at the Gold Coast’s premier cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts.
With almost four decades of experience across the arts and cultural sector, including a long tenure as boss of QPAC, Kotzas replaces outgoing arts and culture head, Yarmila Alfonzetti.
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn says Kotzas’ appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Gold Coast, as the city continues to strengthen its cultural credentials.
“John brings a strong track record of delivering compelling cultural experiences, including at the helm of QPAC, along with an unmatched passion and vision that has drawn new audiences to connect, and fall in love, with the arts,” says Warn.
“I am so excited to see what direction John takes HOTA and am confident he’ll continue to elevate our city’s profile as a leading arts and cultural destination nationally and grow its global reputation.
“Yarmila has played a pivotal role over the past two years shaping the direction of our city’s arts and cultural portfolio, leading with creativity and a deep commitment to artistic excellence, and we wish her all the best for her return to Sydney.”
A highly respected leader in the cultural sector, Kotzas brings extensive experience in arts management, programming and strategic development.
He is widely recognised as an innovator, fostering vibrant, inclusive cultural communities, and brought some of the world’s most revered arts companies to QPAC during his 30-plus years there.
In 2021 he was recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the arts.
Kotzas says he’s excited to join Experience Gold Coast at a time of significant momentum for the arts sector in the region.
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“The Gold Coast has an incredible creative energy and is emerging as an impressive and dynamic arts and cultural destination, as we play our role in the national offering on the runway to Brisbane 2032,” he says.
“I am truly excited to be taking on this role at this pivotal time. Yarmila and her team have secured some stand out programming and landmark exhibitions for the precinct and I am honoured to be taking over the reins from someone I hugely respect.
“HOTA is the heartbeat of the city’s cultural offering, and I want locals to really connect and own this amazing precinct but at the same time continue to grow national and international visitation.”
Kotzas will commence his new role on May 27.
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