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John’s “think local, go global” ethos is focused on forging cultural legacies that resonate worldwide, ensuring Queensland's story is
told through the arts.
About
John Kotzas AM is an accomplished leader whose multifaceted career has profoundly shaped Australia’s cultural, civic, and economic landscape. Over four decades, he has blended strategic vision, commercial expertise, and a commitment to societal impact, most notably as Chief Executive of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC).
John's leadership—rooted in trust, innovation, and inclusive engagement—has drawn millions to cultural and community initiatives, elevated Brisbane as a global hub, and championed accessibility across diverse domains. His appointments
as a Director of Screen Queensland and Vice President of Live Performance Australia, the nation’s peak industry body for the performing arts, nod to his pivotal role in shaping Queensland’s creative and economic future.
Early Influences
His journey began with eclectic influences that forged his broad perspective. An early stint with the Grin and Tonic theatre troupe sparked his creative drive, while his roles in education and community leadership honed his ability to inspire. As founding director of the Brisbane Festival, he transformed a local event into a world-class celebration, weaving music, theatre, and intellectual discourse into the city’s fabric.
John's pioneering Out of the Box Festival for young children set a global benchmark for inclusive education programs. In 1995, he led Australia Remembers, a national commemoration of Pacific peace, orchestrating parades and a live broadcast of Prime Minister Paul Keating’s historic speech. His early work as an educator at Brisbane State High, introducing modern Greek and producing community events, cemented his belief that engagement unlocks potential.
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Since 2008, as QPAC’s Chief Executive, John doubled annual audiences to 1.2 million and generated $1.257 billion in ticket sales, balancing financial success with cultural and social impact. He secured $175 million for a new theatre and oversaw a $40 million renovation, cementing Brisbane’s world-class infrastructure.
During COVID, QPAC’s resilience—remaining open when most global venues closed—underscored his adaptive leadership. Operating with just 30% government funding, his commercial acumen ensured stability through floods and a pandemic. His programming, from global icons like the Bolshoi Ballet to local innovators, reflects a commitment to inclusivity, welcoming diverse audiences and fostering community connection.
As Vice President of Live Performance Australia and an advisor on global projects, he forges partnerships with a “no trust, no point” ethos, securing high-profile collaborations effortlessly.
No Trust,
No Point.
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Artistic Literacy
A strategic thinker, John excels at aligning today’s actions with tomorrow’s goals. Critics once viewed his negotiation style as too conciliatory, yet his results—consistently meeting objectives—prove his effectiveness. He advocates for “cultural literacy”
as a societal cornerstone, encouraging exploration of art, ideas, and civic initiatives for their deeper meaning.
At QPAC, his focus on “Why will they come?
Why will they come back?” drove unprecedented engagement, merging philosophy with pragmatism. “Organisations often overspend on projects
and neglect sustainability,” he notes, challenging norms while advising on ventures that balance impact and fiscal health.
Honored with a Member of the Order of Australia,
an Italian knighthood, and honorary doctorates, John remains grounded, deflecting praise to his mission. Inspired by lifelong learning and the Latin solvitur ambulando (“it is solved by walking”),
he transforms challenges into opportunities.
No Success Like Failure
Often quoting Bob Dylan’s “no success like failure,” John is a champion of grit and persistence, navigating crises with strategic solutions that strengthen community resilience and cultural vitality while nurturing healthy balance sheets.
John Kotzas’ legacy is one of bold action and quiet confidence.
Through creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong commitment to inclusion,
he has built a Queensland where the arts are not merely a luxury but a vital force.
His work - whether mentoring young artists, advising on policy, or steering cultural institutions - reflects a simple truth: it’s not about being the loudest voice,
but being the one who takes the boldest action.