LPA is deeply saddened to acknowledge the sudden passing of Libby Christie AM, long-serving former Executive Director of the Australian Ballet.
We extend our thoughts and sincerest condolences to her family and friends.
Libby demonstrated exceptional leadership during almost ten years as Executive Director of the Australian Ballet, before stepping down in 2022. She previously held the roles of Acting CEO and senior executive at the Australia Council for the Arts (now Creative Australia) and Managing Director of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
Prior to entering the arts sector, Libby held senior management roles in technology and telecommunications. She also worked as an adult educator after graduating from Sydney University and the Canberra College of Advanced Education (University of Canberra) in Arts and Adult Education.
Libby’s significant services to performing arts administration and women in business were recognised through a Member of the Order of Australia award in 2020.
LPA is particularly grateful for her unwavering support and commitment to live performance in Australia, including as an Executive Council Member (2019-2022) and recognised with life membership in 2022.
In paying tribute to Libby, LPA President Richard Evans AM has said:
‘Libby Christie came to the arts after a successful corporate career, venturing first into the world of orchestral music, and then the Australia Council before going on to become the Executive Director of The Australian Ballet.
‘Brave, sharp, exacting, warm and generous, Libby and her husband Peter were a regular fixture at differing performances around Australia.
‘Libby became a friend and colleague to us all over many years, and her observations and input as a member of our Executive Council always took us into a new and better place.
‘Much loved, Libby will be much missed.’
The Australian Ballet has also released the following tribute.
You can read more about Libby Christie AM and her highly respected career here.