Lisa Havilah

Lisa Havilah

Alumni

Lisa Havilah completed a Master of Arts Administration at UNSW Art & Design.  

Lisa Havilah was recently appointed the Chief Executive of the Powerhouse Museum, a role in which she will oversee the development and construction of a new Museum in Parramatta. The position is well deserved and was no surprise in the art world, as it builds on Havilah's impressive track record of developing innovative and progressive programming and invigorating large arts institutions. 

From 2012 to 2018, Lisa Havilah served as the Director of Carriageworks. She is credited for transforming the former Eveleigh Rail Yards into one of Australia's most iconic multi-arts institutions. Her vision and direction resulted in significant audience growth from 110,000 in 2012 to 1.327 million in 2017. Havilah developed a remarkable Artistic Program that included dance, visual arts, performance, music, film, fashion and a food program including weekly farmers' markets. In 2018, Carriageworks commissioned and presented over 90 major arts projects supporting over 800 artists.

Previously, Havilah was the Director of Campbelltown Arts Centre from 2005 to 2011. She led the development of the institution through innovative programming, community-engaged projects and a focus on cultural diversity. Under her leadership, audiences grew from 30,000 to 190,000 per year - a figure that was noted at the time for being the highest attendance in NSW for any cultural intitution outside metropolitan Sydney. Prior to Campbelltown, Havilah was the Assistant Director of Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre from 1998 to 2004. In 1995 she co-founded Project Contemporary Art Space in Wollongong, a new contemporary visual arts organisation supporting regional artists and curators. Project Contemporary Art Space was the first regional artist run initiative to receive ongoing operational support in NSW. 

Lisa Havilah actively contributes to the development of both State and Federal Government Arts Policy including contributing to the authoring of NSW's first arts and cultural policy - Create In NSW. She is a member of the City of Sydney Public Art Advisory Panel, is a member of the Lend Lease Public Art Advisory Panel and advises Barangaroo Development Authority on their arts and cultural programs. She is an Advisory Committee Member of Firstdraft, Australia's longest-running artist-run initiative and was awarded FBi's prestigious SMAC of the Year.

Photo credit: Renee Nowytarger