Adelle Robinson Named As New Chair Of Biennale of Sydney’s Board

The Biennale of Sydney has announced the appointment of Wiradjuri woman Adelle Robinson as Chair of its Board, with long-serving chair Kate Mills stepping down after more than a decade.

Robinson succeeds Mills, who has served on the Board for 12 years, overseeing a period of significant growth for one of Australia’s leading contemporary arts organisations.

Robinson is already widely known across Australia’s live events and festival sector. As CEO of Fuzzy Operations, she has spent more than three decades delivering some of the country’s largest music festivals and public events, including Field Day, Harbourlife, Parklife an Listen Out.

Robinson als currently chairs the Sound NSW Advisory Board and sits on the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Advisory Council. She is also a founding member and current Chair of the Australian Festival Association and has been involved in industry advocacy through the NSW Music Festivals Regulatory Round Table since it was established.

Robinson joined the Biennale of Sydney’s Board in 2021.

Speaking about her appointment, Robinson paid tribute to her predecessor and said she was looking forward to guiding the organisation into its next chapter.

“I am honoured to take on this role and deeply grateful to Kate for her exceptional stewardship,” Robinson said in a statement sent to City Hub.

“I look forward to working with Barbara, the Board, our team, and the incredible artists and communities that make the Biennale of Sydney what it is.”

Biennale of Sydney CEO Barbara Moore said Robinson brought a wealth of experience to the role.

“Adelle brings deep industry knowledge, exceptional networks and a genuine passion for the arts,” Moore said.

“She brings energy and care to everything she does – we are extremely fortunate to have her as our Chair.”

Moore also acknowledged Mills’ long contribution to the organisation.

“Kate’s commitment to the Biennale over 12 years has been extraordinary. Her vision and leadership have shaped the Biennale into the internationally significant institution it is today, and we are deeply grateful for everything she has given to this organisation.”

Mills said it had been a privilege to help guide the Biennale over the past decade.

“It has been a privilege to serve the Biennale of Sydney as Chairman,” Mills said.

“I am proud of what this organisation represents — its fearless artistic ambition, its commitment to artists and its connection to communities across Sydney and beyond. The Biennale is in excellent hands with Adelle.”

Founded in 1973, the Biennale of Sydney is one of the world’s longest-running international contemporary art events and remains a major fixture on Sydney’s cultural calendar, bringing artists, audiences and communities together from across Australia and around the globe.