Michael Lynch CBE AO
Michael Lynch CBE AO
Michael Lynch CBE AO is an exceptional arts executive with an enviable reputation worldwide. In Australia, he has held the positions of General Manager of Sydney Theatre Company and The Australia Council for the Arts, and CEO of Sydney Opera House, as well as operating at board level for the ABC and Film Victoria. His experience also extends to the international arena through his roles as Chief Executive of London’s South Bank Centre and CEO of the 40-hectare Hong Kong arts precinct West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.
‘The great generational shadow of Michael Lynch looms large over the universe of those of us that work in service of the arts. Michael has proved and continues to prove that leadership is about doing. He has demonstrated that you can be a leader; that brave bold words can be consistently spoken.
Across Australia and internationally, Michael Lynch reminds us that leading an institution is a profession, a series of skills that are built across a life – success on success, mistake on mistake – a practice. Over his career when others have seen places as too hard, too broken or too risky all Michael Lynch can see is opportunity, consistently articulating a compelling vision that can magic things from the ruins.’
Lisa Havilah, Director of Carriageworks.
In honour of his lifetime contribution to the performing arts Michael was presented the 2016 Sue Nattrass Award by Live Performance Australia, which recognises outstanding service to the live performance industry in a field that may not enjoy a high public profile.