Charlie Cush
CEO, Brisbane Festival
Panellist: special ‘Ask the Experts’ session
What you’ll learn:
Got a challenge or problem? This is your chance to ask our panellists anything you wish!
Our panellists bring a wealth of knowledge spanning across event planning, operations, creative production, marketing, site and venue management, and more! Between them, they’ve managed a range of nationally significant festival types, spanning across music, arts, special interest, sporting and food festivals!
Professional bio
Charlie is the CEO of Brisbane Festival, one of the city’s most anticipated annual events, celebrating arts and culture. In 2020, it was among the first major live performance events during COVID-19, employing 1,000+ artists, commissioning 28 new works, and delivering 573 performances citywide.
Previously, as General Manager of Circa Contemporary Circus (2013–2018), he led its global success, securing key contracts like the Commonwealth Games Arts Festival. Charlie has held senior arts and government roles, shaping Brisbane’s creative landscape. He holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Arts in Cultural Leadership, and serves on Queensland’s Night-Life Economy Advisory Panel.