Sydney, Australia: Carriageworks, one of Australia’s most significant contemporary creative industry hubs and located on Gadigal land, today announced the appointment of Francisca Peña as General Manager.
An accomplished and versatile leader with more than 20 years’ experience across the arts, not-for-profit, media and social enterprise sectors, Peña will oversee Carriageworks’ daily operations and work closely with the precinct’s CEO, Fergus Linehan, and Board to deliver the organisation’s new strategic direction.
Peña has previously held roles Sydney Theatre Company, Company B (Belvoir St Theatre), Network Ten, and most recently she was Chief Operating Officer at the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation. Peña has extensive experience in financial leadership roles, complemented by significant expertise in operational functions, and she has a successful track record of delivering strategies to secure future growth, enhancing business efficiencies, and establishing effective compliance measures. In addition to her professional roles, Peña serves as a Board Member of Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS), the key organisation promoting cultural diversity in the arts in Australia.
Fergus Linehan said: “We are thrilled to welcome Francisca to the Carriageworks team. Her extensive experience and innovative approach will be instrumental in driving our new strategic direction. With her leadership, we look forward to forging strong partnerships, enhancing our operational efficiency, and realising our vision of Carriageworks as a leading cultural institution. Francisca’s appointment marks a significant step forward for us, and I am confident that her contributions will have a positive lasting impact.”
Francisca Peña said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be joining Carriageworks, an iconic organisation, during such a pivotal moment in its history. I’m very much looking forward to working closely with Fergus, who has made enormous contributions to the Arts, both in Australia and overseas. I’m sure that alongside Fergus and the entire Carriageworks team, we will achieve great things together.”
Peña joins Carriageworks during an exciting new chapter for the precinct, including the recent introduction of a more seasonal approach to its programming, which ranges from internationally recognised major events to the provision of space for the development and realisation of new works of art.