Metro Arts, a cornerstone of experimental and contemporary arts in Australia, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kieran Swann as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective mid-August 2025.
Relocating from London for the role, the appointment marks a homecoming for the cultural leader – both to Brisbane, and to Metro Arts, where he previously served as Program Manager from 2012-2016.
In the decade since, Swann has established a distinguished career spanning Australia and the UK including Senior Curator at Create London, Head of Programme at Arnolfini, Head of Live Programme at Wellcome Collection, and Program Producer at Theatre Network Australia. He is a natural collaborator with nearly two decades dedicated to fostering experimental and contemporary arts practices, and supporting independent and emerging artists.
Tara Hastings, who was appointed as Chairperson of the Metro Arts Board earlier this year, expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment:
“Kieran is the perfect candidate to lead Metro Arts into the next chapter. His commitment to experimental and contemporary arts, coupled with his dedication to independent and emerging artists aligns perfectly with our core mission. His vision for collaboration, pursuit of new opportunities, and experience in both the Australian and international sectors will undoubtedly propel us to the next level.
I am looking forward to working alongside Kieran as we strengthen Metro Arts’ unique offer as Brisbane’s home for experimental and contemporary art.”
Kieran Swann described his appointment as a deeply personal and exciting return to the organisation that helped shape his career. He said:
“It’s no surprise that I am returning to Metro Arts to take up this role – after all, I have been returning to Metro Arts my whole life. From my first visit aged 10, I was captivated by its commitment to the bold and the new. Metro Arts has shaped not only my career but my relationship with art itself, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to pay that forward as we nurture the next generation of artists and audiences.
I’m excited to honour the essential work of those who came before me – by building new collaborations, deepening our connections with our neighbours and local communities, and help providing Brisbane’s cultural landscape what it needs to truly flourish.”
The extensive international search for the CEO role drew an exceptional calibre of applicants from around the world, strongly reinforcing the important and influential role Metro Arts plays for Brisbane, Queensland, and within the broader national arts context.
The leadership announcement comes as Metro Arts builds on the momentum of its strong 2025 program. The year of activity places artist development at its heart – with three visual art residencies culminating in solo exhibitions, four mainstage productions, and continuing partnerships with Brisbane Festival, the churchie emerging art prize, BEMAC, the Brisbane Portrait Prize and more – showcasing Metro Arts’ continued commitment to supporting innovative and boundary-pushing contemporary art.
2025 program highlights include:
DragSpeare – drag king cabaret that brings audiences on a rock ‘n roll journey through rural Queensland
Terra Culture – an examination and invitation by Bianca Tainsh to interact with fungi, delving into what it means to be human
The solo debut of First Nations Artist in Residence, Joshua Taliani – Unveiling Shadows – in partnership with Brisbane Festival and co-directed with Wanida Serce.
Metro Arts full program for 2025 and tickets are available at their website.
Website: https://www.metroarts.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/metroarts/
Photo credits: Jimmy Lee
ABOUT METRO ARTS
Metro Arts places Australian artists and experimentation at its core.
With a profound 45-year legacy, Metro Arts is at the forefront of nurturing Australian creative talent, serving as an incubator and launchpad for some of the country’s finest artists.
This powerhouse organisation provides vital support and investment for new ideas to flourish – encouraging independent artists to take risks and push the status quo.
Metro Arts is equipped with state-of-the-art galleries, artist studies and theatre facilities, all located within the thriving West Village precinct in West End, Queensland. Their workshop facility at Norman Park provides vital space for visual artists and the local community to create, build and experiment, supported by Brisbane City Council.
At Metro Arts, you’ll always be surprised, bewildered, entertained and amazed. The stories you see here – you won’t see anywhere else. #ArtStartsHere
