10 September 2026 // MEDIA RELEASE
NORPA announces Libby Lincoln’s departure
NORPA has announced that Executive Director Libby Lincoln will step away after four years of leadership, as the company enters its next chapter.
The announcement comes in the same week that NORPA moves its offices into The Joinery, its new home in the heart of Lismore, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s recovery and future following the 2022 floods.
Lincoln arrived at NORPA in the aftermath of the floods, when the organisation had lost its home, workplace and much of the infrastructure it had relied on.
2026 also marks 40 years of Lincoln’s professional life in the arts, across theatre, dance, festivals and cultural leadership. She says she is reflecting on the richness her career has given to her life, with NORPA representing a particularly special chapter.
“Following the floods, I felt compelled to work locally, and have loved working with one of the best companies in the country at NORPA,” Lincoln said.
“My focus was to support its adaptation and reimagining and to secure its future.
“There is something rather lovely about making this announcement in the same week that NORPA moves into its new home. I took up the position after the floods, when NORPA had lost its home, and now the organisation is moving into a new one.
“I’m confident NORPA is now in a very positive position with exciting opportunities ahead, and it’s timely to hand over to new leadership to continue to grow and strengthen the company.”
Over the past four years, Lincoln has co-led NORPA, with Artistic Director Julian Louis through an extraordinary period of recovery and renewal, including securing millions of dollars of investment, including significant multi-year funding from both the NSW and Australian Governments, philanthropic support from the Ian Potter Foundation, major capital works grants and the purchase and redevelopment of The Joinery through government and philanthropic support.
She has also overseen the development of NORPA’s 2025–28 Strategic Plan, engaged new sponsors, partners and donors, and strengthened NORPA’s relationships across the Northern Rivers and the wider arts sector, as well as worked with the whole team to continue to deliver an ambitious program of new work, presentations and creative development, including Flow, Bundjalung Indigenise, My Cousin Frank, Wildskin, Prima Facie, Makers Hub, Dinner Party at the End of the World Creative Development Project, as well as the recent sold out season of Love for One Night.
A significant part of Lincoln’s tenure has been NORPA’s vision to remain in Lismore, and to build a more adaptive and resilient future.
NORPA Chair Damian Kassabgi said Lincoln had made an extraordinary contribution to the organisation and to the cultural life of the Northern Rivers.
“Libby came to NORPA at one of the most difficult moments in the organisation’s history and has led with enormous commitment, clarity and ambition,” Kassabgi said.
“Over four years she has helped secure NORPA’s future in very tangible ways — from significant multi-year government funding and major philanthropic support, to the purchase of The Joinery and the development of a clear strategic direction for NORPA.
“Just as importantly, she has kept the artistic work at the organisation’s heart. NORPA has continued to make ambitious work, support artists and audiences, and build strong relationships with sponsors, partners and donors.
“The Board is very grateful for everything Libby has given to NORPA. After 40 years of professional life in the arts, we understand and respect her decision to step away and focus on other parts of her life.
“This is a natural point in NORPA’s evolution for leadership transition.
“Libby leaves NORPA in a very strong position, with The Joinery providing an extraordinary opportunity for NORPA and for the Northern Rivers. We are very fortunate to have had her expertise over the recent years and pleased that she will remain fully committed through the transition, supporting an effective handover.”
Lincoln will remain in her role until the transition to new leadership is determined and ensure continuity.
“I am proud of what the NORPA team has achieved over these past four years — the work we have made, the artists we have supported, the relationships we have built and the resilience the organisation has shown through a very difficult period.” Lincoln said.
“I continue to be particularly proud of the NORPA audience, who have shown up and supported us at every opportunity. What an incredible audience they are!
“I wish to thank the NORPA Board, co-CEO Julian Louis and the entire team; as well as the artists, partners, funders for the trust, support and generosity they have shown me.
“It has been an absolute privilege to co-lead NORPA. I leave with enormous affection for the company and I have great confidence in its future. I look forward to reaping the enormous benefits of having such a remarkable arts company in my neighbourhood.”
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Leigh McGrane | [email protected]