‘Behind the scenes’
Current Executive Director and Co-CEO of Sydney Theatre Company, Anne Dunn has spent more than three decades working at the intersection of artistic ambition, organisational leadership, and cultural advocacy. In this presentation, Anne reflects on a career that has spanned some of Australia’s leading performing arts organisations and periods of profound change within the cultural sector. She will share insights into the challenges and opportunities of leading major arts institutions, balancing artistic risk with financial sustainability, and building enduring relationships with artists, audiences, philanthropists, and government. Drawing on experiences from large-scale productions, national and international touring, policy advocacy, and organisational transformation, Anne will explore how the role of arts leaders has evolved and what may lie ahead for future generations.
Anne Dunn has been Sydney Theatre Company’s Executive Director & Co-CEO since the beginning of 2022, and prior was Sydney Dance Company’s Executive Director since 2010. She is the Chair of CAST (Consortium of Australian Not-For-Profit Theatres), whose aim is to support the Australian creative workforce and is on the Executive Council of Live Performance Australia, the peak body for Australia’s live performance industry.
Anne has over 25 years of experience in the performing arts industry and nonprofit organisations delivering successful programs, festivals and events around Australia and internationally.
She was previously the Darwin Festival General Manager (2006-09), Perth International Arts Festival Program Manager and Artistic Administrator (2003-06), Sydney Opera House Assistant Producer and Sydney Olympic Coordination Authority Live Sites Event Coordinator (2000).
Anne’s past Government and Community Involvement includes being a Sydney Opera House Trustee and member of the Sydney Opera House Audit and Risk Committee (2018-2021); Board Director, Australian Major Performing Arts Group (2017-2021) and Convenor, National Dance Manager Meetings (2011-2020), Council Member, Performing Arts Touring Alliance Management (2016-2018) and Chair of Music NT (2007-09).
Anne is a strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Hons focused in Political Science and Government from Macquarie University.
Join us at 2.00pm on 20 September 2026 for The Stage on Sunday, a joint program with the Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation and Theatre Heritage Australia.
All are welcome. This event is free but bookings are essential and must be made through Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation.
Theatre Heritage Australia in partnership with Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation presents
The Stage on Sunday: Anne Dunn
2.00pm for afternoon tea with a 2:30pm start
Sunday 20 September 2026
Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation | Suite 10, 20 Young Street Neutral Bay NSW
Bookings: (02) 9955 5444