Darwin Festival

Darwin Festival is seeking a visionary Artistic Director to lead the next chapter of one of Australia’s most distinctive festivals.

Held during Darwin’s dry season each August, the Festival presents a vibrant multi-artform program spanning performance, music, cabaret, comedy, circus and community events across the city. Loved by locals and sought out by visitors, the Festival is where arts, culture and community meet in the Top End - and where Darwin itself becomes part of the experience.

The Festival contributes well beyond the stage. It brings audiences into the city, supports hospitality and local business, and strengthens Darwin’s dry season economy. In 2025, it generated an estimated $25.9 million in economic impact and more than 52,000 visitor nights. Its scale, timing and unique setting attract interstate and international visitors, while its strong community connection ensures the Festival remains firmly grounded in Darwin.

This is a rare opportunity to shape an award-winning arts festival that is entering its 47th year, with deep local connection, strong national standing and one that delivers significant cultural and economic impact. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Artistic Director is responsible for delivering an ambitious multi-artform program grounded in Darwin and the Top End, and compelling to audiences locally and beyond. The role will play a central part in the Festival’s future direction, strategic evolution and sector relationships across Australia and internationally.