With over 30 years of experience as a legal practitioner and a lifelong involvement in theatre productions, she is poised to provide valuable guidance and leadership to Darwin Festival as it continues to celebrate the region’s vibrant arts and cultural scene.

Chris has dedicated three years as a Non-Executive Director on the Darwin Festival board, and her enthusiasm for the arts, wealth of legal expertise and comprehensive understanding of the Northern Territory will greatly contribute to her new position as Chair.

Chris succeeds Ian Kew as Chair, who held the position from 2016 -2023. Ian will continue on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.

“I am honoured to be appointed as the new Chair of Darwin Festival,” said Chris. “I believe life is made better with involvement in the arts. I am grateful to be involved with Darwin Festival where I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that the Festival has on our community and its cultural landscape. I look forward to working with the Festival CEO James Gough and team to further strengthen and grow the Festival.”

“I would also like to express my gratitude to Ian Kew for his exceptional leadership and am delighted that he will remain an integral part of the Board. Together, we will continue to connect communities through the celebration of culture and the arts,” she said.

Outgoing Board Chair Ian Kew said, “It’s been a pleasure to serve as Chair over the last six years and I look forward to continuing on the Board as a Non-Executive Director.”

“I am also looking forward to seeing Chris thrive in the role of Chair. Under her guidance and leadership, I am confident the Festival will continue to grow and thrive, and celebrate our region’s
dynamic arts and cultural scene,” he said.

Ian Kew was appointed as Chair in 2016 and has contributed to the unprecedented financial and artistic growth over six Darwin Festivals.

Darwin Festival CEO James Gough said, “We’re excited to have Chris Osborne as our new Chair. Her expertise and passion for the arts will be invaluable in advancing our strategic plan. We also extend our gratitude to Ian Kew for his past leadership and ongoing contributions as a Non-Executive Director.”

The Darwin Festival will return this year from 10 to 27 August 2023, with the full program of events to be announced in late May.