Published Monday 27 February 2023

This newly-created role focuses on activating and developing NFSA’s headquarters in Canberra through a range of public programs including screenings, events, educational programs and commercial activities. In tandem with place-making, Chris will also take on leadership of NFSA’s physical infrastructure planning and strategic asset management, including designing the roadmap to net zero. 

Chris joins the NFSA from global design and engineering firm Arup where he led the Australasia arts and culture business, connecting best practice design, engineering, and technology with evolving artistic practice to support the delivery of major arts and culture infrastructure projects.  

Prior to that, Chris worked for a number of major arts and cultural organisations around the world, including as Head of Production for Sydney Theatre Company and Production Manager at the National Theatre in London. Chris is currently a board member of Australian Dance Theatre and lectures regularly at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts. 

He holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts from the University of Wollongong, has completed an Executive Program in Arts and Cultural Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania, and is currently completing a Master of Environmental Management at the University of New South Wales.  

‘Chris has outstanding experience and skills in developing strategic approaches to solve complex operational issues,‘ said NFSA Chief Executive Patrick McIntyre. ‘He is ideally placed to shape this new role and guide the delivery of the NFSA’s new strategic plan.’ 

This is the final appointment to the NFSA’s refreshed Executive team, following the appointments in late 2022 of Keir Winesmith as Chief Digital Officer and Nicole McPeake as Chief Marketing Officer, joining Jacqui Uhlmann as Head of Collection and Rebecca Coronel as Head of Collection Preservation. 

Chris joins the NFSA on Monday and will be based at its Acton, ACT headquarters.  

Media enquiries: Louise Alley - louise.alley@nfsa.gov.au - 0422 348 652 

Images here