Experience Gold Coast is excited to announce the appointment of respected arts executive John Kotzas AM as its new Head of Arts and Culture, charged with overseeing the Gold Coast’s premier cultural precinct HOTA, Home of the Arts.
With almost four decades of experience across the arts and cultural sector, including a long tenure as chief executive of Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Mr Kotzas will continue the exceptional work of outgoing head, Yarmila Alfonzetti.
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said Mr Kotzas’ appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Gold Coast, as the city continues to strengthen its cultural credentials.
"John brings a strong track record of delivering compelling cultural experiences, including at the helm of QPAC, along with an unmatched passion and vision that has drawn new audiences to connect, and fall in love, with the arts," Mr Warn said.
"I am so excited to see what direction John takes HOTA and am confident he’ll continue to elevate our city’s profile as a leading arts and cultural destination nationally and grow its global reputation.
"Yarmila has played a pivotal role over the past two years shaping the direction of our city’s arts and cultural portfolio, leading with creativity and a deep commitment to artistic excellence, and we wish her all the best for her return to Sydney."
A highly respected leader in the cultural sector, Mr Kotzas brings extensive experience in arts management, programming, and strategic development.
He is widely recognised as an innovator, fostering vibrant, inclusive cultural communities and brought some of the world’s most revered arts companies to QPAC during his 30-plus years there. In 2021 he was recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the arts.
Mr Kotzas said he was excited to join Experience Gold Coast at a time of significant momentum for the arts sector in the region.
"The Gold Coast has an incredible creative energy and is emerging as an impressive and dynamic arts and cultural destination, as we play our role in the national offering on the runway to Brisbane 2032" Mr Kotzas said.
"I am truly excited to be taking on this role at this pivotal time. Yarmila and her team have secured some stand out programming and landmark exhibitions for the precinct and I am honoured to be taking over the reins from someone I hugely respect.
"HOTA is the heartbeat of the city’s cultural offering, and I want locals to really connect and own this amazing precinct but at the same time continue to grow national and international visitation."
He will commence in the role on May 27, 2026.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.