Sydney Opera House appoints Michael Hutchings as Head of First Nations Programming
Sydney – The Sydney Opera House today announced that Michael Hutchings, of Arrernte heritage from Central Australia, has been appointed to the role of Head of First Nations Programming.
An experienced First Nations culture and arts professional, Hutchings joins the Opera House from the Australia Council for the Arts where, as the First Nations Project Manager, he led and developed projects addressing the needs of the sector across artforms.
Key achievements included producing the First Nations Arts and Culture Awards in partnership with NITV, curating First Nations’ roundtables, and delivering industry-first mentoring and residency programs for artists.
Throughout his career, Hutchings has worked to develop and platform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across the country. From growing and supporting First Nations membership at APRA AMCOS, to establishing the Gadigal Music record label, and leading MusicNSW’s Whichway Program for musicians.
He has also held a range of curatorial and creative conception roles across the performing arts industry, including Surry Hills Festival, productions at Sydney Festival, Peats Ridge Festival and the Powerhouse Museum.
Michael Hutchings said: “I am honoured to be able to continue my ongoing work with First Nations creatives at such an iconic venue, sitting on Tubowgule, which has always been an important gathering place for the Gadigal people. I will continue the Sydney Opera House’s commitment to showcasing the best of First Nations arts and culture, while emphasising the strength and importance of storytelling to the cohesion of First Nations communities across generations and country.”
He joins the iconic arts venue’s internal programming team Sydney Opera House Presents, led by Fiona Winning (Director, Programming) and will work alongside other programming heads and curators, including Ebony Bott (Head of Contemporary Performance), Chip Rolley (Head of Talks & Ideas), Ben Marshall (Head of Contemporary Music), Stuart Buchanan (Head of Digital Programming), Tamara Harrison (Head of Children, Families & Creative Learning) and Micheal Do (Curator, Contemporary Art).
Sydney Opera House Director, Programming Fiona Winning, said: “Michael’s experience within the contemporary music industry, national knowledge across artforms, training in visual arts and lived experience uniquely places him to curate First Nations programs that will connect with artists, communities and audiences. We’re thrilled to appoint such an experienced, passionate and creative professional to the Sydney Opera House team.”
The Opera House’s First Nations program was launched in 2012 and led by Widjabul, Bundjalung trailblazing artistic director Rhoda Roberts AO, and from 2021 by Quandamooka, Mununjali curator, producer and performer Beau James.
Under Hutchings’ leadership, the Opera House’s year-round First Nations program will continue to celebrate the richness, diversity and vibrancy of First Nations cultures. Hutchings will commence in the position on Monday 24 July, 2023.
About First Nations Programming
The Sydney Opera House First Nations program continues the traditions of Bennelong Point, formerly known as Tubowgule, which has been a meeting place for the local Gadigal people for tens of thousands of years. The year-round program celebrates the richness of First Nations cultures by presenting works that address urgent contemporary issues, retell forgotten stories and revitalise ancient cultural practice.
About Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House is the symbol of modern Australia. It is one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, the nation’s premier tourism destination and an architectural masterpiece of the 20th century. The Opera House’s broad and diverse programming attracts audiences in person and online, with more than 15 million people attending performances and tours over the past decade. A global beacon for creativity, it is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and its social asset value has been estimated by Deloitte at $6.2 billion. This year, the Opera House is celebrating its 50th anniversary, which will culminate in a month-long festival of events and performances in October 2023.
