The Adelaide Festival has announced the appointment of respected arts leader Julian Hobba as its new Executive Director, commencing in September 2025.
A proud South Australian, Hobba brings with him a wealth of experience from across the country’s cultural landscape. For the past five years, he has served as Executive Director of State Theatre Company South Australia, where he worked alongside Artistic Director Mitchell Butel to realise a suite of ambitious new productions and national touring partnerships.
His national career includes leadership roles at The Blue Room Theatre in Perth and as Program Manager for the Centenary of Canberra, where he was instrumental in delivering major public art commissions such as Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhale—a work now closely associated with the Adelaide Festival after two recent appearances.
Speaking of his appointment, Hobba said: “I am incredibly excited to be taking on the role of Executive Director at Adelaide Festival. I’ve been attending Adelaide Festivals since the mid-1990s and they’ve long been a cornerstone of my artistic life.”
“I’m deeply committed to building on the Festival’s unique and vital role in South Australian and Australian culture — as a showcase for international excellence grounded in the best qualities of our shared humanity, imagination, empathy, and cultural exchange.”
Originally a playwright who began his career producing work in Melbourne’s independent scene, Hobba’s deep understanding of artistic process and production has continued to inform his executive leadership style. His early professional experience at Malthouse Theatre under Michael Kantor and Stephen Armstrong was a formative time that shaped his approach to contemporary Australian theatre.
Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels MP welcomed the news, saying, “The Adelaide Festival is a cornerstone of South Australia’s cultural identity and I’m looking forward to seeing Julian bring fresh energy and insight as he leads this iconic event into a new era.”
Festival Chair Tracey Whiting AM echoed this sentiment: “We are thrilled to welcome Julian to Adelaide Festival. He is an exceptional leader with profound knowledge of the creative sector and a proven ability to turn bold ideas into reality.”
Hobba succeeds Kath M Mainland CBE, who completed her tenure as Chief Executive in April. He joins the Festival team alongside Artistic Director Matthew Lutton OAM as they prepare to usher in a new chapter for one of Australia’s most prestigious international arts festivals.