After an extensive recruitment process and very competitive field of candidates, Carla Theunissen has recently been appointed to the role of Senior Manager Place Activation and Strategy with the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

Previously, Carla worked with the City of Parramatta in a variety of cultural programs including Parramatta Artist Studios and the City’s CBD activation program.

Before moving into local government Carla had a career in the major events and cultural sector. She was an Associate Director of Sydney Festival, and programmed many ticketed events, including Bjork on the Sydney Opera House forecourt, Grace Jones and Brian Wilson in the Domain, All Tomorrow’s Parties on Cockatoo Island, Beck’s Festival Bar at Hyde Park Barracks and Bacardi Latina Festival at Darling Harbour.

As the first Head of Music for Sydney Opera House, Carla set the framework for the venue’s new music program, securing Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson to curate Vivid Live. Carla was also the first Director for Q Theatre in Auckland’s CBD, setting up and opening the new $22m arts centre centre in 2011. Other roles include Interim Director/CEO for Bankstown-based theatre company Urban Theatre Projects, Producer for Sydney Theatre Company, Administrator for Bangarra Dance Theatre, and consulting for creative sector organisations including Create NSW, the Australia Council and Vivid Ideas.