Criena Gehrke has today announced she will be leaving her role as Home of the Arts Chief Executive in February 2023, after nearly a decade of leading the arts and culture vision for the Gold Coast.
In a statement released today Gehrke advised “I came to the Gold Coast nearly a decade ago to develop the City’s Culture Strategy 2023 – a 10-year vision that would unapologetically and ambitiously outline a roadmap for cultural development.
“The Culture Strategy boldly asked the Gold Coast to value its own potential, trust its own magnificent, glittery, smart, and entrepreneurial DNA and above all, invest in its artists. The Gold Coast is now recognised nationally as a contemporary and exciting incubator of talent and culture ... and Gold Coast artists are leading the way.
“To have then been given the opportunity to lead HOTA through its transformation and growth has been an absolute privilege. Now as the Culture Strategy enters its twilight year, it is the right time for me to seek a new creative adventure. I cannot wait to see what will be achieved in the next decade here in this city that I love.”
HOTA Chair Jackie Trad celebrated Gehrke’s tenure as the inaugural HOTA Chief Executive and added “Over the last few years, HOTA has become a place of national significance that has redefined culture on the Gold Coast. Under Criena’s leadership, HOTA has realised the Outdoor Stage and HOTA Gallery, developed new audiences and become a true cultural heart for the Gold Coast.
“The challenges of a pandemic have not gotten in the way of delivering the vision. Criena’s tenacity and humility ensured continued growth despite the challenges.
“On behalf of the HOTA Board, I extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Criena. She leaves with HOTA in a strong financial position and creative vision for her successor to build from.”
Image: Criena Gehrke. Credit: HOTA.
About the author
Karen Sweaney
Co-founder and Editor, Australasian Leisure Management
Artist, geoscientist and specialist writer on the leisure industry, Karen Sweaney is Editor and co-founder of Australasian Leisure Management.
Based in Sydney, Australia, her specific areas of interest include the arts, entertainment, the environment, fitness, tourism and wellness.
She has degrees in Fine Arts from the University of Sydney and Geological Oceanography from UNSW.
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
iEDM integrate Design, Engineering and Delivery Management services to convert existing spaces into exciting new entertainment venues. Our team consists of highly qualified professionals with diverse…
As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as Vivaticket Pty Ltd.
Vivaticket is the ideal strategic partner for the organisation and management of your…
APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…
PathMinder Pty Ltd have partnered with AllUser Industries srl to bring Europe’s most advanced high security portals to the Australian and New Zealand markets.
AllUser Industries started to…
As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as VIVATICKET Pty Ltd.
Click here to view the VIVATICKET Pty Ltd listing.
19th July 2018 - ENTA…
Parkequip is an approved supplier under the NSW LGP Contract 308 for a range of products including play equipment, shade, shelters, safe fall, park furniture and school outdoor seating.
All materials…
Felton Industries is Australia’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of quality outdoor furniture and has been supplying premium seating solutions for all sporting, commercial, community…