Virginia Hyam (HOTA, Gold Coast) and Simon Hinton (Merrigong Theatre) discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with producing and presenting in cities that are one hour away from a major capital. They share their stories of developing new work and new audiences, pioneering initiatives and playing the long game.
Virginia Hyam is currently Head of Programming at HOTA on the Gold Coast, where she is driving new programming initiatives across the cultural precinct. Previously she has worked for 10 years at Sydney Opera House as Executive Producer of the Studio and the Head of Contemporary Culture, specialising in the presentation of contemporary performance and as creative producer with Festival 2018 (Arts and Cultural Festival of the Commonwealth Games).
Simon Hinton has been Artistic Director / CEO of Merrigong Theatre Company since 2005, managing the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre and the Wollongong Town Hall. Merrigong has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most successful regional companies – producing, presenting and touring exciting contemporary theatre. Simon is currently Vice President of Performing Arts Connections (PAC) Australia, a member of the Theatre Board of Create NSW, and is the Helpmann Awards Regional Touring (Chair).