CuriousWorks Appoints Kiriaki Zakinthinos As CEO.
CuriousWorks announced today that Kiriaki Zakinthinos has been appointed the new incoming CEO of the organisation, from 13th March 2023 onwards. An experienced arts professional and writer, Zakinthinos joins CuriousWorks from Utp (Urban Theatre Projects), where she was the General Manager since 2021. Kiriaki (a.k.a. Kiri) has worked in the creative industries in diverse roles within local government and the small-medium non-profit sectors for organisations including Campbelltown Arts Centre, new music outfit Ensemble Offspring, Diversity Arts Australia, and anti-racism social change organisation, All Together Now.
As a child of migrants and having grown up in West and South-West Sydney navigating two cultures and pursuing a path in the arts, she’s passionate about making space for and supporting others on similar journeys. “I feel a strong alignment with the values of CuriousWorks,” shares Kiri. “I am looking forward to joining the team in the important work of pushing for greater equity and access in the arts, creating safer cultural spaces, and centering the local artists and communities of South West Sydney in our broader cultural narrative.”
As an independent producer, Kiri has presented concerts, cultural workshops, and a children’s music and storytelling show in key venues across Sydney. She is a current Australia Council for the Arts Peer. She maintains a writing practice alongside her work via her blog (www.culturalomnivore.blog).
Amy Noble, Chair of the CuriousWorks Management Committee speaks on the hire of Kiri, as quoted: “The Management Committee is delighted to introduce Kiri Zakithinos as the new CEO of CuriousWorks. An experienced community arts leader, Kiri succeeds Vanessa Hyde who stepped down recently after a remarkable decade of service to the emerging artists of Western Sydney and the staff at CuriousWorks. Curious Works is proud to have attracted someone as talented as Kiri to continue our strong tradition of empowering the next generation of arts and cultural leaders to create an innovative, accessible arts and media scene for all Australians.”
Kiri holds a Graduate Diploma in Creative and Cultural Industries Management from the University of Technology, Sydney, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of NSW.
Kiri has stated: “It’s a privilege to be given the opportunity to step into the role of CEO and one that I know comes with the great responsibility to steward and care for the good work of the company, the staff and creatives, and the future direction and vision of CuriousWorks. I’m excited and grateful for the chance to work with the team and the Management Committee to dream up this vision and carve a path towards it.”
Kiri Zakinthinos will assume responsibilities on Monday 13th Of March 2023.
About CuriousWorks
CuriousWorks is a Western Sydney based company that runs year-round creative programs with, for and by young people from diverse communities. Working at the intersection of storytelling, technology and DIY innovation, CuriousWorks sits squarely in the multi-arts, media landscape, continually evolving with the tools, platforms and technologies available. Through deep, long-term engagement and inclusive art making, CuriousWorks produces powerful, cultural artworks that engage at the grassroots.
For all media enquiries, contact Social Media Officer Saarah Hanif at saarah@curiousworks.com.au.