Media Release
ARTS AND CULTURAL LEADER ALEX POOTS JOINS SXSW SYDNEY 2025
Powerhouse and University of Technology Sydney are pleased to present internationally renowned arts and cultural leader Alex Poots who will speak at SXSW Sydney® 2025 this October at ICC Sydney.
Poots, the Artistic Director of The Shed in New York, has built major new institutions from the ground up and inspired established organisations to reshape approaches into innovative, popular and culturally democratic programming.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah will host an in-conversation with Poots where they’ll delve into how bold, interdisciplinary programming can create economic impact and sustained audience growth. From publicly funded precincts and sustainability-led design to cross-sector collaboration, community engagement, and collaborative funding models—this session offers vital insights into building vibrant, future-focused cultural precincts.
Poots’ appointment to The Shed in 2015 followed a decade creating, launching and leading Manchester International Festival (MIF) in the UK. Poots conceived and developed new ways for arts organisations to realise their missions and visions at organisations including the Park Avenue Armory in NYC, the Barbican Centre and Tate Galleries in London. More recently Poots was Creative Advisor of the inaugural SXSW London held in June this yearwhere he curated the LDN LAB show featuring digital artist pioneer Beeple, leading musicians and AI artists Holly Herndon and Mat Dryhurst and the AI interview by iconic performance artist Marina Abramovic and Serpentine Galleries artistic director Hans Ulrich Obrist.
The in-conversation will be presented as part of the SXSW Sydney Conference program‘ Creative Precincts: Alex Poots on Inventive & Interdisciplinary Cultural Programs in the City'.
While in Sydney, Poots will also deliver an exclusive masterclass for students in the Faculty of Design and Society at the University of Technology Sydney, alongside several creative industry-targeted sessions for staff.
The Shed NYC Artistic Director Alex Poots said, ‘I’m honoured to join SXSW Sydney to explore how cultural precincts and institutions can shape future-focused, interdisciplinary programs for diverse audiences. SXSW Sydney’s unique platform—connecting technology, culture, and education—is a unique space to engage with the defining issues of our time. I’m also very much looking forward to meeting students at UTS and learning about Sydney’s ambitious new institution, Powerhouse Parramatta.’
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘We’re thrilled to bring Alex to Sydney, along with our partners the University of TechnologySydney, for SXSW Sydney 2025. Under his visionary leadership, The Shed has established itself as a place that connects diverse communities through arts and cultural offerings across the spectrum, which is what we will do locally with the establishment of Powerhouse Parramatta.’
SXSW Sydney Head of Conference Fenella Kernebone said, ‘This session represents the kind of bold, cross-disciplinary thinking that defines SXSW Sydney's conference program, driving creativity, community and innovation with far-reaching impact. Alex Poots and Lisa Havilah in conversation will be essential viewing for anyone invested in how culture and creativity can shape the cities of tomorrow.’
For more information visit: https://www.sxswsydney.com/conference.
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About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.2 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the new museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse Collection.
About University of Technology Sydney
UTS is a leading university of technology located in the heart of Sydney’s innovation precinct. With more than 40,000 students, UTS has a distinct model of learning, strong research performance and a leading reputation for industry and professional engagement. Underpinned by social impact and a continuing commitment to sustainability, UTS is rated the No.1 ‘young’ university in Australia in the QS and Times Higher Education rankings.