Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has announced that Terese Casu is stepping down as CEO of the organisation. She has decided that now is the perfect time for her to step aside and pursue new opportunities.
In a statement released on Friday, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Co-Chairs, Kate Wickett and Giovanni Campolo-Arcidiaco said “Terese has made a significant contribution to the organisation and the community. She has led the transformation of the Mardi Gras Festival into one of the world’s leading arts and cultural programs.”
“She has contributed to our vision of being a global leader in the promotion of diversity, inclusion, equity and social justice through culture, creativity and partnerships. Terese leaves the organisation in a strong and improved financial position.”
“The upcoming season will be a great example of her creativity and leadership. She has also played an important role in developing our impressive WorldPride 2023 bid. We thank Terese for her contribution and commitment. While we will all miss her, we wish her well with the next exciting step in her professional life,” added Wickett and Campolo-Arcidiaco.
Terese came to Mardi Gras with an impressive history as an arts leader that has spanned more than 25 years. Prior to this, Terese was the Executive Director of Performance Space in Sydney and the Director, Arts Organisations at the Australia Council for the Arts.
She has held senior management and leadership positions at the La Boite Theatre Company, Bundanon Trust, Australian Theatre for Young People, Belvoir Street Theatre, Circa Ensemble, Sydney Film Festival and the Australian Film Commission. Between 1999 and 2002 Terese worked at the Australia Council in several roles including International Audience and Market Development and with the Theatre Board.
The organisation will undertake a global search for her successor. Executive Producer Grant Lowe will provide support with operations and planning as Terese closes out her time in the organisation over the next two months.
For more information about Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, visit: www.mardigras.org.au for details.
Image: Terese Casu – photo courtesy of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras