Kris Stewart Appointed Venue Manager Of Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct

Former QMusic CEO Kris Stewart has got a new gig, having been named the new Venue Manager of South East Queensland's Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct.

The Cultural Precinct was opened in July 2022 following refurbishment to the Kingston Butter Factory, a former dairy works which serviced the Logan suburb.

Offering an intimate 220-capacity indoor venue alongside a 5,000-plus-capacity outdoor space, the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct has attracted a vast number of big local names since its opening, including the likes of Ben Lee, The Whitlams, Troy Cassar-Daley, South Summit, and myriad others.

In the newly-created position, Stewart will help lead the venue into a significant new chapter, with his job description including programming and event delivery, as well as commercial partnerships, financial performance, marketing, and team development.

Additionally, substantially growing the venue’s profile, audience, and revenue is also a major focus.

“I have been watching Kingston Butter Factory grow since its opening and I have been telling people about it ever since,” Stewart said of the space. “This is a venue with genuine energy, genuine character, and a community around it that is ready for more.

“My focus will be on growing the programming; bringing more national and international acts to the outdoor space, developing the kinds of events that reflect Logan's extraordinary cultural diversity, and making KBF a venue that promoters across Australia actively seek out.”

Stewart’s new role is far from an unexpected addition to the resumé, having spent decades in similar roles both in Australia and internationally, including serving as Artistic Director of Brisbane Powerhouse and being instrumental in the founding of events such as the New York Musical Theatre Festival, The Sydney Fringe Festival, Tasmania’s Festival of Voices, and others.

Stewart’s time at the Brisbane Powerhouse resulted in the creation of the Wonderland Festival, IRL Digital Festival Queensland Cabaret Festival, and MELT Queer Culture Festival, and saw him heading up a number of events, including the Brisbane Comedy Festival, the Australian Performing Arts Market, and the World Theatre Festival.

Additionally, Stewart has also served as a Board member for a number of organisations, including Stage Queensland, Toowoomba's Empire Theatre, the Queensland Conservatorium of Music,, and Performing Arts Connections Australia.

In late March, he ended a near-five-year run as CEO of QMusic, having taken over from Angela Samut in 2021.

“The past five years have been some of the most exciting of my career, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the chance to work with my peers in the music industry and the team here at QMusic,” Stewart said at the time.

“While sad that I'm finishing, I'm proud of everything I've achieved and leave knowing the organisation has never been stronger.”

Stewart will begin his new role as Venue Manager of the Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct in July.