Louise Bezzina
Artistic Director – Brisbane Festival
Topic: Festivals and philanthropy: do festivals have a responsibility?
What you’ll learn:
Festivals, like Brisbane Festival, bring people together to celebrate, connect, and create lasting memories. As their influence grows, they have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on society. Specifically, this presentation will cover:
- how festivals can build meaningful partnerships with philanthropic partners to support important causes while enhancing the festival experience.
- Brisbane Festival as a case study (observing its commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and community engagement) – how aligning with shared values can drive social change, foster deep connections, and leave a lasting legacy.
- how cultivating authentic collaborations can create positive outcomes for festivals, partners, and communities alike.
Professional bio
Louise is the Artistic Director of Brisbane Festival – Queensland’s largest annual arts event.
A visionary leader, she has significantly shaped the Queensland arts scene for over 20 years. In 2020, she delivered one of the only live global arts events post-pandemic, introducing the acclaimed Street Serenades program.
Louise founded Bleach* Festival in 2011, transforming it into a major contemporary arts event. She was also part of the creative team for the 2018 Commonwealth Games cultural program.
In 2023, Louise received an Honorary Doctorate from Griffith University for her contributions to the arts.
Later in 2025, Louise will take on the position of CEO of Brisbane Powerhouse.
