The longtime leader of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre has been appointed to a similar role an hour down the road.
John Kotzas, AM, who was the chief executive of QPAC for 15 years, will take up the post of head of arts and culture at council-owned Experience Gold Coast.
He will oversee the Gold Coast’s cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts, in Surfers Paradise, taking over from outgoing head, Yarmila Alfonzetti, in May 2027.
HOTA was born in 2018 with the rebranding of The Arts Centre Gold Coast and the launch of its Outdoor Stage next to Evandale Lake.
The iconic $60.5 million HOTA Gallery building opened in 2021 and is the largest art gallery in Australia outside a capital city.
The precinct hosts major art exhibitions, theatre, film, comedy, music, festivals and markets. The annual AACTA Awards, Australia’s answer to the Oscars, are held at HOTA each February.
Kotzas said he was excited to join Experience Gold Coast at a time of significant momentum for the arts in the region, in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.
“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 said.
Kotzas, who was born in Innisfail, worked as a teacher at Brisbane State High School early in his career and joined QPAC in 1989 as education officer.
He worked at QPAC for 35 years before his departure in 2024.
In 2021, he was recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the arts.
Experience Gold Coast chief executive John Warn said Kotzas’ appointment marked an exciting new chapter for the Gold Coast.
“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,” Warn said.
Experience Gold Coast is the peak destination marketing organisation and economic development body for the Gold Coast, helping drive the region’s $8 billion visitor economy.
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