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Penrith Performing & Visual Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Toby Chapman as Chief Executive Officer and Artistic Director.
Toby has been an integral member of PP&VA since 2020, most recently serving as Director of Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery. During his tenure, he led a period of significant artistic achievement, including landmark exhibitions such as the 25th Biennale of Sydney: Rememory, The Pool Show, and Blak Douglas: The Halfway Line.
His appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in the strategic direction PP&VA has taken in recent years, and a commitment to continuity as the organisation enters its next phase of growth and development.
Toby brings a strong vision for PP&VA as a leading home for Western Sydney storytelling and creativity, with a proven track record of building organisational foundations that support ambitious artistic and community-focused programs.
“Penrith and Western Sydney are on the cusp of a major transformation, and I am committed to ensuring that arts and culture are central to it. It signals that our business decisions and our artistic programming are integral to one another, not separate.”
— Toby Chapman
— Toby Chapman
PP&VA Chairperson Dale Maxwell-Smith said:
“The Board is looking forward to working closely with Toby on this exciting new chapter for the organisation. We are focused on providing opportunities for high-quality artistic engagement and participation that reflects the diversity of our community.”
PP&VA looks forward to the leadership Toby will bring as the organisation continues to expand its impact across the region.
Toby’s appointment as CEO and Artistic Director reflects the Board’s confidence in the strategic direction PP&VA has taken over the past few years, and a commitment to continuity as the organisation embarks on its next phase of growth.
PP&VA encompasses four distinct Penrith arts entities:
The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (The Joan), Q Theatre, Penrith Conservatorium of Music and Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery.