KRIS STEWART
Artistic & Executive Director
WELCOME
Kris Stewart is a creative industries executive and artistic leader whose work has been seen through the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
He has had great success as a producer and director taking organizations through periods of change or growth, and in launching new initiatives, such as the founding of a number of key festivals and major events.
Please explore the site for more on Kris' career
CAREER SNAPSHOT
Currently, Kris is the Chief Executive Officer of QMUSIC, and the producer of Australia's largest music industry event BIGSOUND, as well as the Qld Music Awards, Valley Fiesta and Tropic Fiesta, amongst other things.
Previously he has been -
- Artistic Director of BRISBANE POWERHOUSE (2013 - 2021), where he presented more than 2,500 shows at Queensland's home for contemporary culture;
- Founder and Creative Director of CURIOCITY BRISBANE (2018 – 2020), a city-wide celebration of art and technology;
- Founder and CEO of the SYDNEY FRINGE FESTIVAL (2009 - 2011), NSW's biggest festival for independent artists;
- Founder and Executive Director / CEO of the NEW YORK MUSIC THEATRE FESTIVAL (2003 - 2008), the first and largest music theatre festival in the home of the artform;
- Current member of Sunshine Coast Arts Advisory Board and The Queensland Conservatorium Advisory Board; previously Stage Queensland Executive Committee, PAC Australia Board, The QUT Creative Industries Advisory Board;
- Director of BRISBANE COMEDY FESTIVAL (2013 - 2021), a multi-venue ticket selling phenomenon;
- Artistic Director and CEO of FESTIVAL OF VOICES (2011 - 2013), Hobart's major destination event;
- Organisational Producer of the AUSTRALIAN PERFORMING ARTS MARKET (2014 – 2018), the national performing arts market development event;
- Australian Resident Director of the musical Wicked (2009 – 2010), which sold more than $100m of tickets during Kris' time;
- President and Director of RED SAND MEDIA PARTNERS (NYC), where he produced films and Broadway musicals;
- and Founder and Director of events such as
- MELT Festival
- Wonderland Festival (2015 - 2019)
- Queensland Cabaret Festival (2015 - 2018)
- Director of World Theatre Festival (2014 – 2018)
- IRL Digital Festival (2015)
- New Musicals Australia (2010 - 2013)
Earlier: Executive Director at National Music Theatre Network (NYC), Asst. to Artistic Director at Melbourne Theatre Company; Creative Director at Jacobsen Corp; Director of the Lygon Street Festa, Geelong Waterfront Festival, the Williamstown Festival, the LIVE Youth Festival, VIVA Cultural Diversity Festival, others
Contact Kris
This is direct to Kris' personal email, so shoot him a note!