Civic Rituals & Bold Vision: Ebony Bott Takes the Helm at Brisbane Festival

Bringing a signature blend of genre-fluid audacity and deep civic connection, Artistic Director Ebony Bott unveils her vision for a city stepping onto the global stage.

When Ebony Bott stepped into the role of Artistic Director for Brisbane Festival, she brought a definitive curatorial philosophy: festivals are not merely calendars of entertainment, but shared cultural markers.

With a career spanning two decades across Australia's premier cultural institutions—including the Sydney Opera House, Adelaide Festival Centre, and Arts Centre Melbourne—Bott's leadership bridges the local and the spectacular. Now directing Brisbane Festival, her vision places the river city's distinct identity front and centre.

"Festivals aren't just programs, they're civic rituals. They reflect us back to ourselves and open us up to the world. That's what drew me to 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. They listen, connect, and leave a lasting imprint." — Ebony Bott, Artistic Director

A Track Record of Audacity and Accessibility

Prior to leading Brisbane Festival, Bott served as Head of Contemporary Performance at the Sydney Opera House, where her programming drew over 120,000 paid attendees annually across theatre, cabaret, circus, and comedy.

Her career highlights include:

• The critically acclaimed staging of Amadeus starring Michael Sheen, costumed by Romance Was Born.
• The hip-hop dance production Message in a Bottle, set to the music of Sting.
• The world premiere of Hannah Gadsby's Body of Work.
• Expanding the scope and accessibility of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival by pairing headline talent with boundary-pushing voices.

Shaping the Cultural Decade

Bott's curatorial direction foregrounds First Nations perspectives, creates pathways for local artists to reach national and international audiences, and prioritises broad public participation.

As Brisbane continues its trajectory toward the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the festival serves as a vital platform for artistic confidence and civic ambition. As Brisbane Festival Chair Anna Reynolds noted, Bott brings "both the boldness and the rigour to shape a festival that speaks to this moment."

At a Glance: Ebony Bott

• Role: Artistic Director, Brisbane Festival
• Background: Head of Contemporary Performance at Sydney Opera House; Adelaide Cabaret Festival; Arts Centre Melbourne
• Curatorial Focus: Place-based civic storytelling, First Nations voices, multidisciplinary collaboration, and accessible participation