Kyle Page named Artistic Director and Fabienne Cooke appointed Executive Director
The North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) has announced a major milestone in its evolution, with the appointment of two outstanding visionaries in the Australian arts sector: acclaimed creative talent Kyle Page as Artistic Director and respected cultural leader Fabienne Cooke as Executive Director.
These appointments signal a bold new chapter for NAFA as it continues to strengthen its national profile while deepening its commitment to North Queensland communities, artists and audiences.
Kyle Page brings a powerful artistic vision shaped by his leadership at Dancenorth and an international career spanning performance, choreography and cultural leadership. His work is known for its innovation, emotional intelligence and deep engagement with place and people.
Fabienne Cooke joins NAFA from Brisbane Festival, where she has played a senior role in delivering one of Australia’s premier arts events. With extensive experience in strategic partnerships,
philanthropy and large-scale festival delivery, she brings exceptional capability in building sustainable, ambitious cultural organisations.
Together, Page and Cooke represent a rare alignment of artistic excellence and strategic leadership positioning NAFA for its next phase of growth and impact.
A Collaborative Future
NAFA Co-Chairs Merissa Martinez and Professor Judith McLean said the appointments reflect both ambition and respect for the broader arts ecosystem.
“This is an extraordinary moment for NAFA. Kyle and Fabienne are leaders of national significance, and their decision to join NAFA speaks volumes about the strength of our vision and the opportunity ahead,” said Ms Martinez.
“Importantly, these appointments have been made in the spirit of collaboration. Fabienne joins us from Brisbane Festival, a valued partner, and Kyle continues his strong connection with Dancenorth, with a planned transition over time as he steps more fully into the NAFA role. Both appointments will strengthen the North Queensland arts and cultural sector,” said Professor McLean.
Strengthening NAFA’s Role Nationally and Regionally
The dual appointments reflect NAFA’s strategic priority to balance world-class artistic programming with strong regional relevance and community connection.
Kyle Page said he was excited to shape a festival that reflects both the uniqueness of North Queensland and its place in the global cultural landscape.
“NAFA has a powerful identity and an extraordinary context. I’m excited to work with artists, communities and partners to create a program that is resonant, expansive and deeply connected to
this place – celebrating the unique energy of the north.”
Fabienne Cooke said NAFA represents a compelling opportunity to build on strong foundations and drive long-term sustainability.
“This is a festival with enormous potential. I look forward to working with the Board, Kyle and our stakeholders to grow NAFA’s impact—artistically, economically and socially—while honouring the
relationships underpinning its success.”
Building on Strong Partnerships
NAFA acknowledged the important role of both Brisbane Festival and Dancenorth in the national and regional arts landscape, and the ongoing partnerships that will continue to support artists and audiences.
These leadership appointments reinforce NAFA’s commitment to collaboration, co-creation and shared success across the sector.