Craig McMaster

Craig McMaster is a nationally respected leader across the arts, entertainment, and cultural infrastructure sectors,
renowned for delivering commercially successful and strategically significant projects that shape Australia’s creative
landscape. With over 30 years of executive experience, Craig has led the planning, development, marketing, and
operational delivery of major venues and creative initiatives.
Craig currently serves as the Director of Riverside Theatres Parramatta and the National Theatre of Parramatta,
steering two of Western Sydney’s most influential cultural institutions. He is leading the $276 million redevelopment
of Riverside into a landmark, multi-venue performing arts centre, which includes a 1,500-seat lyric theatre, black box
and drama theatres, a digital studio, and a revitalised riverfront public domain. This project positions Parramatta as
Australia’s next great cultural city.
Since joining Riverside in 2021, Craig has overseen the venue’s ambitious redevelopment. His leadership has been
instrumental in shaping the strategic vision, leading community and industry engagement, and managing partnerships.
The redevelopment includes world-class performance spaces and new creative infrastructure, positioning Riverside,
alongside the Powerhouse Parramatta, at the centre of Western Sydney’s cultural renewal.
Alongside infrastructure transformation, Craig has been a tireless advocate for artist development, new work creation,
and creative opportunity in Western Sydney. Under his leadership, the National Theatre of Parramatta has
championed bold, original Australian works, nurtured diverse creative talent, and built pathways for Western Sydney
artists to contribute to the national stage. His work has empowered local voices, strengthened regional identity, and
expanded access to creative careers.
Before Riverside, Craig was the founding Executive Director of the Sydney Coliseum Theatre at West HQ. He led the
design, construction, and commercial strategy of the $100 million project, managing all aspects of pre-opening,
including event programming, major partnerships, and securing headline international talent. His efforts established
the Coliseum as a vital cultural asset for Western Sydney.
Craig is also the Managing Director and Principal Consultant at AvenuArts (Australasia), advising on precinct
development, performing arts strategy, touring models, and commercial partnerships nationwide. His previous roles
include Project and Executive Director of the Sydney Coliseum Theatre, Chief Marketing and Information Officer at
VenuesLive, CEO of Showbiz Group, and COO then CEO of Ticketek.
Craig sits on key Boards and Advisory groups, including Live Performance Australia, Venue Management Association,
Urban Theatre Project, and Create NSW’s Artform Board. He regularly contributes to mentorship and capacitybuilding initiatives for the sector. A Fellow of the Venue Management Association (VMA) and member of PAC Australia,
the Western Sydney Arts Alliance, and former Executive Councillor with Live Performance Australia (LPA), Craig
continues to champion cultural infrastructure that delivers civic value, creative opportunity, and long-term industry
resilience.
With over a quarter-century of high-impact, internationally recognised leadership, Craig McMaster continues to
inspire teams, deliver major infrastructure projects, pioneer digital engagement, and build enduring partnerships. His
commitment to excellence, community, and the transformative power of the arts drives Western Sydney’s emergence
as a true centre for Australian culture