Vivia Hickman Appointed Executive Producer & Co-CEO of Malthouse Theatre
Malthouse is thrilled to announce that Vivia Hickman has been appointed as the organisation’s new Executive Producer & Co- CEO. With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in the arts and culture sector, Hickman brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Vivia Hickman:
Joining the Malthouse teams fills me with genuine excitement. Their commitment to championing equity, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of their work and culture is both admirable and motivating. Leading this exceptional company alongside Artistic Director & Co-CEO Matthew Lutton is a privilege I eagerly anticipate, in addition to working with MAP Co to harness the collective creativity of the Melbourne Arts Precinct.
Hickman joins Malthouse fresh from her role as CEO of Melbourne Writers Festival where she presided over the successful execution of a dynamic and expansive festival focused on literature, intellectual discourse, and creative thinking.
Her extensive background also includes serving as Executive Producer at Sydney Festival, the largest multi-arts festival in Australia, from 2018 – 2021. Prior to that, Hickman was CEO of Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, Head of Programming for Melbourne International Arts Festival, Development Manager for Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and Executive Producer for Chunky Move Dance Company.
Malthouse’s Artistic Director and Co-CEO Matthew Lutton:
I am thrilled to be collaborating with arts leader Vivia Hickman. Vivia has a great passion for new ideas and for bringing people together for unique experiences. I can’t wait to launch into the next chapter of Malthouse with Vivia as Executive Producer & Co-CEO.
Malthouse’s Board Chair Fiona McGauchie:
Vivia brings to Malthouse a wealth of experience. With over three decades of executive leadership in the arts and cultural space, she is a highly credentialed leader with an impressive track record.
Malthouse Theatre, renowned for its innovative and thought-provoking productions, has long been a cornerstone of the Australian performing arts scene.
Hickman joins the organisation during an exciting period of transformation, with the Malthouse Upgrade Project close to completion. This significant upgrade will see the outdoor stage as a permanent annual fixture, enhancing the overall visitor experience and preserving the historic Southbank building.
The upgrade follows two successful summer Malthouse Outdoor Stage seasons, which saw more than 25,000 people attending over 80 performances including live music, comedy, cabaret and literary events.
Vivia Hickman will commence her role as Executive Producer & Co-CEO of Malthouse in early 2024.
