The Unconformity is pleased to announce the appointment of Louisa Gordon as its new CEO. Louisa's appointment marks a new chapter for the organisation, with Founding Artistic Director Travis Tiddy and General Manager Kate Harrison finishing in their roles on 2 August 2024.
Louisa comes from an exceptional and sustained career in arts management both locally and nationally. She has enhanced the cultural landscape in Lutruwita/Tasmania through her most recent role as Executive Producer of Mona Foma and Music at Mona, and previously as Director of Programming and Production at Ten Days on the Island, Executive Producer of Taste of Tasmania and in advisory roles in events, grants and community engagement at City of Hobart.
An arts manager for over 25 years, Louisa started her career engaging in the performing arts in Nipaluna/Hobart before graduating from the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) in 1992. She worked for over ten years as a stage, production, technical and tour manager both nationally and overseas.
Following further study in Creative Industries at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), she took on leadership roles at various arts organisations including the roles of General and Program Manager at Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) and Program Manager at Flying Arts in Brisbane.
Louisa was also a Senior Producer at the Queensland Music Festival (QMF), Business Manager at The Australian Voices and then established the first logistics department at Brisbane Festival. She returned to Lutruwita/Tasmania in 2014 to take up the role at Ten Days on the Island.
Louisa is currently the Chair of Mature Artists Dance Experience (MADE) and has sat on other advisory committees and panels including Tasmania Performs and the Regional Arts Australia Fund.
The Unconformity Chair Rick Snell congratulated Louisa on her appointment. ‘Louisa brings extensive experience working in the arts, with festivals and community engagement in various regions over the last 25 years,’ he said. ‘Louisa has an inclusive approach to both management and her engagement with community and artists. She understands and is committed to The Unconformity’s focus on the local and place in the creation and enhancement of arts and creativity on the West Coast.’
Louisa will begin her role on 16 July 2024, bringing her experience and knowledge to the development of the organisation’s 2025 festival and ongoing cultural programs. ‘As I step into the role of CEO at The Unconformity I’ve been reflecting on my unconventional journey through the world of arts and culture where I’ve learned to navigate the unpredictable, and to thrive on challenges,’ she said.
‘I’ve always gravitated towards the creation of work that has the capacity to transform communities, artists and audiences through unforgettable experiences that captivate imagination. I’m very excited (and humbled) to be chosen to continue the incredible legacy of Travis Tiddy and to lead the unique creative force of The Unconformity with the West Coast community, the Board and team into this new chapter.’
With Louisa’s appointment finalised, the organisation will now begin its recruitment process for the role of Artistic Director.
‘The Board of The Unconformity is excited by what Louisa, and our yet-to-be-appointed Artistic Director, will achieve in this next period of the organisation,’ added Rick.
